Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Are you in search of a dessert that combines chewy oats, rich chocolate, and luscious salted caramel? Look no further than Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars! These bars are the perfect blend of textures and flavors, making them an indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet snack at home, these cookie bars are sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dessert!
Ingredients List
Creating Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars requires a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 cup of brown sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie bars.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda: Helps the bars rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Enhances flavor.
- 2 cups of rolled oats: Adds chewiness and texture.
- 1 cup of chocolate chips: For that rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup of salted caramel sauce: For drizzling and flavor.
Optional Ingredients:
- Sea salt: For sprinkling on top before serving.
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts): For added crunch.
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free butter: Use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Coconut sugar: Can replace brown sugar for a healthier option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Tip: Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of rolled oats.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Spread the Dough: Pour half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle 1 cup of salted caramel sauce over the dough, spreading it gently to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some caramel should show through.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Tip: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Bars: Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- Serve: Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per bar (based on 16 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 15g |
These cookie bars are a rich treat that can satisfy your sweet cravings!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking to make these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars a bit healthier, consider the following substitutions:
- Reduce Sugar: Cut down on the granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Add Flaxseed Meal: Substitute some of the flour with flaxseed meal for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: To increase the fiber content, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some creative serving suggestions for your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars:
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries or sliced bananas can add a refreshing contrast.
- Coffee Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Not Cooling Properly: Allow the bars to cool before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper makes for easy removal and cleanup.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
In summary, Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best flavors of oats, chocolate, and caramel. With their chewy texture and rich taste, they are sure to be a favorite among family and friends. We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats will result in a softer bar.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 cup of brown sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie bars.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda: Helps the bars rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Enhances flavor.
- 2 cups of rolled oats: Adds chewiness and texture.
- 1 cup of chocolate chips: For that rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup of salted caramel sauce: For drizzling and flavor.
- Optional Ingredients:
- Sea salt: For sprinkling on top before serving.
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts): For added crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Tip: Use an electric mixer for best results.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of rolled oats.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spread the Dough: Pour half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle 1 cup of salted caramel sauce over the dough, spreading it gently to cover as much surface area as possible.
Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some caramel should show through.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Tip: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool the Bars: Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Serve: Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt before serving for an extra touch of flavor.