Salted Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Salted Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a decadent treat! Soft and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie layers are filled with a gooey salted caramel center, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Quick-cooking oats
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Salted butter
Brown sugar, light or dark
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Dark chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt, for topping
Coconut or avocado oil
Almond butter
Maple syrup
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance: The gooey salted caramel filling pairs perfectly with the sweet oatmeal chocolate chip cookie layers for a delicious contrast in every bite.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These bars feature chewy oatmeal cookie layers that are soft and satisfying, making them a comfort dessert favorite.
Rich Caramel Center: The gooey salted caramel filling adds a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that elevates these cookie bars to the next level.
Loaded with Chocolate Chips: Packed with chocolate chips, each bite offers bursts of rich, melty chocolate flavor.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe, these cookie bars come together effortlessly for any occasion.
Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to serve.
Ideal Make-Ahead Dessert: These cookie bars store well, making them a convenient option for preparing in advance.
Customizable Add-Ins: You can add nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Decadent Yet Simple: The combination of oatmeal, chocolate, and salted caramel creates a gourmet-tasting treat with minimal effort.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve them at room temperature for a quick snack or dessert.
Tips for Making Salted Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
Use Softened Butter for the Cookie Dough: Start with softened butter to create a smooth and creamy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough base.
Line the Pan for Easy Removal: Use parchment paper with an overhang to lift the bars out of the pan effortlessly after baking.
Make the Caramel Filling from Scratch: Prepare the salted caramel with coconut oil or avocado oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and salt for a rich, gooey, and natural flavor.
Stir the Caramel Well: Ensure the caramel ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth before spreading over the cookie dough.
Spread the Caramel Evenly: Pour the homemade caramel over the bottom layer, spreading it evenly but leaving a slight border around the edges to prevent spillage during baking.
Layer the Cookie Dough Carefully: Gently crumble or press the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer to ensure even coverage without disrupting the caramel.
Avoid Over-baking: Bake until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still slightly soft to keep the bars chewy and moist.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to allow the caramel to set and the layers to hold together.
Store Properly: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat slightly for that gooey caramel texture.
How to Store Salted Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
Room Temperature for Short-Term Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 7 days. This helps maintain the gooey caramel texture and keeps the chocolate fresh.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thawing Frozen Bars: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour.
Reheating for a Gooey Texture: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back the gooey caramel texture.
Layer with Parchment Paper for Stacking: If stacking bars in a container, place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together, especially if stored at room temperature or refrigerated.
Store Unbaked Cookie Dough and Caramel Separately: For make-ahead prep, refrigerate the cookie dough and homemade caramel separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake fresh when ready.
FAQs:
Q: What makes these cookie bars unique?
A: These bars combine soft and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip layers with a gooey salted caramel filling made from coconut oil or avocado oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and salt for a rich and natural flavor.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?
A: While store-bought caramel can be used, the homemade salted caramel filling adds a unique flavor and gooey texture that’s hard to beat.
Q: How do I prevent the caramel from leaking during baking?
A: Spread the caramel filling evenly over the bottom cookie layer, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent it from spilling over while baking.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
A: No, this recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Q: How long can I store these cookie bars?
A: Store the bars at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container, refrigerate them for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I customize the recipe with additional ingredients?
A: Absolutely! Add chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra texture and flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat these bars?
A: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their gooey texture.
Q: Can I make the caramel filling ahead of time?
A: Yes! The caramel can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring it to room temperature before using.
Q: Are these cookie bars good for sharing?
A: Definitely! They’re easy to slice into portions, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or gifting during the holidays.
Q: Can I use a different oil for the caramel filling?
A: While coconut oil and avocado oil work best, you can experiment with other neutral oils, but the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
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Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these salted caramel oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars. Happy baking!
