Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486235H46M53S
Total time: 41 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (165 grams) all-purpose flour; 7 tablespoons (60 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (210 grams) dark brown sugar, packed; 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (110 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature; 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced; 1 cup (95 grams) quick oats; 3/4 cup (95 grams) walnuts or pecans, finely chopped; 1/2 cup (85 grams) semisweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup (130 grams) dark chocolate chips; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (100 grams) heavy cream, room temperature; 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (90 grams) water; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Hefty pinch of kosher salt; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Sweet memories flood back when I bite into these salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars that combine childhood comfort with grown-up sophistication.

Decadent layers of gooey caramel melt between rich chocolate and hearty oats.

Crisp edges give way to a soft, chewy center that promises pure indulgence.

Unexpected sea salt crystals dance across the surface, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Minimal ingredients transform into an irresistible treat that feels both rustic and elegant.

Rich chocolate chunks nestle between wholesome oats, promising a moment of pure bliss.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious bite of this simple yet extraordinary dessert.

What makes the caramel sauce unique in this recipe?

The caramel sauce is made by carefully heating sugar until it turns amber, then whisking in butter, cream, and a touch of flour for a rich, smooth texture with depth of flavor.

Why use both oats and flour in the cookie base?

The combination of oats and flour creates a more complex texture – oats provide a hearty, nutty element while flour ensures the bars maintain a classic cookie-like structure and softness.

How do the chocolate chips contribute to the overall taste?

The recipe uses two types of chocolate chips (semisweet and dark) which add layers of chocolate intensity and create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars, enhancing the overall richness.

Craft Gourmet Layers: Indulge in a sophisticated dessert that combines rich salted caramel, chocolate chips, and nutty textures for a restaurant-worthy treat you can make at home.
Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal equipment while delivering impressive, decadent results that look professionally made.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend dessert cravings, these bars satisfy both chocolate and caramel lovers with their irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Customize with Ease: Swap nuts, experiment with different chocolate types, or adjust salt levels to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you creative freedom in the kitchen.

Base Ingredients:

Oats: A hearty and nutritious grain that provides a chewy texture to the cookie bars.
Flour: Gives structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a rich, moist flavor profile.
Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, soft cookie base.

Chocolate and Chip Ingredients:

Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chips: Deliver deep, intense chocolate flavor throughout the bars.

Caramel and Flavor Enhancers:

Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious caramel texture.
Sugar: The main sweetening agent for the caramel sauce.
Vanilla: Adds a warm, complex flavor to both the caramel and cookie dough.
Flaky Sea Salt: Provides a beautiful contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

Egg, Egg Yolk: Help bind the ingredients and add richness to the cookie dough.

Texture and Crunch Ingredients:

Nuts: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookie bars.

Additional Ingredients:

Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise and become light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.

Step 1: Create Luxurious Salted Caramel

Prepare a delightful caramel sauce by warming your heavy cream until it’s comfortably tepid. In a sturdy saucepan, combine water and sugar, gently mixing to ensure even distribution.

Heat the mixture over medium flame without stirring, watching as it transforms into a rich amber color. Once perfectly caramelized, remove from heat and whisk in butter.

Slowly incorporate cream while continuing to stir. Add vanilla, salt, and a touch of flour to create a silky smooth caramel sauce.

Set aside to cool and develop its intense flavor.

Step 2: Mix Magical Cookie Dough

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, blend together oats, flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

In a separate large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until they become light and fluffy. Introduce egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Gently incorporate semisweet chocolate chips, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the dough.

Step 3: Layer and Bake to Perfection

Spread two-thirds of the cookie dough across the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base. Sprinkle nuts evenly for added crunch.

Bake for a quick 8 minutes to set the foundation. Temporarily chill the remaining dough.

Remove the partially baked crust and strategically layer dark chocolate chips across the surface. Pour the cooled caramel sauce in a smooth, even stream.

Dot the top with playful blobs of the reserved cookie dough. Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and inviting.

Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for an hour to set. Before serving, shower with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Slice into irresistible bars and enjoy your masterpiece.

Warm cream slightly before making caramel to ensure smooth, silky texture without lumps.
Prevent sugar crystallization by avoiding stirring during initial caramel cooking process and using clean, dry utensils.
Refrigerate remaining cookie dough to keep consistent texture and prevent spreading during final baking stage.
Use flaky sea salt as final garnish to enhance caramel's depth and provide delightful crunch to cookie bars.
Ensure complete cooling before slicing to maintain structural integrity and clean-cut presentation of bars.

Nutty Caramel Crunch: Replace semisweet chocolate chips with chopped pecans and almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Dark Chocolate Orange Splash: Swap vanilla with orange zest and replace semisweet chips with dark chocolate chunks for a citrusy undertone.
Coconut Caramel Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the dough and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for tropical sweetness.
Espresso Salted Caramel: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the dough and use coffee-infused caramel for rich, deep flavor.

Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream complements the rich, warm caramel and chocolate notes, creating a decadent dessert experience.
Match Rich Port Wine: Deep, sweet port wine balances the salty-sweet cookie bars, enhancing the complex caramel and chocolate flavors with its robust character.
Complement Espresso Martini: Sharp espresso martini cuts through the cookie's sweetness, providing a sophisticated coffee kick that elevates the dessert's depth.
Serve Salted Caramel Latte: Warm, creamy latte mirrors the dessert's salted caramel essence, reinforcing the luxurious flavor profile with smooth, comforting notes.

Refrigerate: Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each layer with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
Freeze: Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Microwave Reheating: Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft, gooey texture.
Room Temperature: Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original soft consistency and enhance flavor.

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.

Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.