Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are a decadent treat that combines the chewy goodness of oats with rich chocolate chips and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. These bars are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, and they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Ingredients List

For the Cookie Bars

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

Timing

Preparing Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars takes about 15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking, totaling approximately 40-45 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake

1. Spread in Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Drizzle

1. Warm Caramel Sauce: While the bars are baking, gently heat the caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s pourable.
2. Add Sea Salt: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt into the caramel sauce.

Step 7: Cool and Drizzle

1. Cool Bars: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Drizzle Caramel: Once cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of the cookie bars. Sprinkle additional sea salt on top if desired.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

1. Slice: Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars (per bar, assuming 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	1g

Tips for Customization

• Nut Additions: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• Caramel Options: Make your own caramel sauce for a homemade touch or use flavored caramel sauces like sea salt or vanilla.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, oats, and caramel in one delightful bar. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these bars are sure to become a favorite!

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture.

How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

You can make homemade caramel sauce by melting sugar in a saucepan until golden brown, then carefully adding cream and butter. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly before using.