Few desserts strike the perfect balance between chewy, sweet, salty, and comforting the way oat-based cookie bars can. These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are layered with a buttery oat cookie dough, gooey caramel filling, and melty chocolate chips that create a rich and satisfying dessert. Whether you’re looking to share these at a family gathering, give them as a homemade gift, or simply enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk, they’re as versatile as they are delicious. Best of all, the recipe is approachable even for beginners, using easy-to-find ingredients and requiring no fancy equipment. These bars also store beautifully, and they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time for a party or save some for later indulgence.
Ingredients and Preparation
Gather the following ingredients before you begin. Using quality ingredients like real vanilla extract, fresh butter, and flaky sea salt can elevate the final flavor of these bars.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Caramel Filling:
- 11 oz soft caramel candies (such as Kraft or Werther’s)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Optional Topping:
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top after baking
Prepare your 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Allow the parchment to hang over the sides for easier lifting after baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build your cookie bars in layers. This layered approach is what gives the bars their textural contrast and indulgent flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can result in a tougher texture.
- Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to form a compact layer that will act as the base.
- In a small saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cookie dough base and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer. You don’t need to spread it completely—some of the caramel should peek through.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. If desired, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt while still slightly warm.
- Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles to serve.
Beginner Tips and Notes
This recipe is very forgiving, but a few helpful pointers can ensure your cookie bars come out perfect every time.
- Always use room-temperature butter to ensure it creams properly with the sugars, creating a smoother base.
- For an even melt, cut caramel candies into smaller pieces before melting, especially if using hard caramel.
- If your dough feels too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before spreading.
- Don’t worry about perfection when dropping the top layer of dough—it’s meant to look rustic with patches of caramel visible.
- Avoid using quick oats, as they can make the bars too soft or mushy. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps them set properly and prevents a gooey mess.
- You can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the dough if you like some extra crunch, though this is optional.
- Freezing tip: Cut the cooled bars and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are rich and flavorful enough to serve on their own, but they can also be dressed up or paired with other treats for a special occasion.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Holiday Treat Box: Slice into small squares and include them in a holiday cookie box alongside other homemade goodies.
- Coffee Pairing: These bars go perfectly with a cup of black coffee or a latte for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Drizzle Extra Caramel: For an elegant touch, drizzle additional warm caramel sauce over the bars just before serving.
- Whipped Cream Option: A small dollop of whipped cream on top makes a great contrast to the chewy texture.
Engagement Features
For anyone who enjoys experimenting or customizing recipes, this dessert provides plenty of flexibility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Consider these interactive and engaging variations:
- Flavor Swaps: Try substituting the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.
- Mix-Ins: Add shredded coconut, chopped dried fruit, or a swirl of peanut butter to the top layer for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough can add warmth, especially in cooler months.
- Presentation Ideas: Serve them in cupcake liners for a neat individual presentation at parties or bake sales.
- Kids’ Version: Get children involved by letting them sprinkle chocolate chips or press the dough into the pan.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for a celiac-friendly treat.
