There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from baking. The warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, and that first bite of something homemade—it all feels like a moment of peace. When you make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars, you’re not just baking dessert; you’re crafting a treat that’s rich, chewy, and packed with flavor in every layer. These cookie bars combine the nutty goodness of oats, the sweetness of chocolate, and the irresistible touch of salted caramel for a bite that feels like pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
You might already have a favorite cookie recipe, but these bars are in a league of their own. They’re the kind of treat that hits all the right notes—soft, chewy, buttery, and just a little salty. Here’s why you’ll want to bake them again and again:
- Perfect flavor balance: Sweet chocolate meets golden caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for the ultimate harmony.
- Easy to make: You don’t need fancy tools—just basic pantry ingredients and a single baking pan.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether you bring them to a potluck or pack them in a lunchbox, they’ll disappear in minutes.
- Texture perfection: The oats give them a soft, hearty chew that pairs beautifully with melted chocolate.
If you’re obsessed with the sweet-salted combo, try the elegant Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake from Bake With Amelia for another caramel-lover’s dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how simple the ingredient list is for something that tastes this decadent.
For the Cookie Base and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
For the Salted Caramel Layer
- 1 package (11 oz) soft caramels or homemade caramel sauce
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
If you love rich, melt-in-your-mouth desserts, you’ll also enjoy this Easy Fudge Recipe — it’s a classic treat made in minutes.
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Oat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, stirring until the mixture turns light and glossy.
Next, fold in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined, then stir in the chocolate chips. The dough should feel soft but thick.
Step 3: Create the Layers
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth and silky. Pour the caramel over the oat base and spread it gently with a spatula. Sprinkle sea salt over the top for that signature salty-sweet contrast.
Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, pressing lightly so the layers stay distinct but meld slightly while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges begin to set. The center should still look slightly soft—it will firm up as it cools.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. If you can, refrigerate them for 30 minutes first to make slicing easier.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
Getting that bakery-quality texture is easier than you think. Keep these simple tips in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, even mix.
- Avoid overbaking.
- Remove them from the oven while the centers still appear slightly soft.
- Add extra sea salt after baking for a professional finish.
- Cool before cutting to keep the caramel layer intact.
Flavor Variations to Try
You can make this recipe your own with just a few swaps:
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark or bittersweet chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Caramel: Replace caramel with creamy peanut butter for a sweet-salty surprise. Try a peanut-butter twist by swirling in a little peanut butter, like in these Peanut Butter Brownies.
- Festive Flair: Mix in M&Ms or crushed pretzels for holidays or parties.
For a layered dessert that’s as indulgent as these bars, check out this Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.
How to Store and Serve
These bars keep beautifully, which makes them ideal for gifting or make-ahead desserts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- For extended storage, keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- To freeze, wrap individual bars in parchment and store them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Serving ideas:
- Warm them a bit and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert plate.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or milk for the perfect afternoon treat.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Bar)
While these bars are definitely a treat, a little indulgence is good for the soul.
- Calories: Approx. 280–320
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 4g
They’re rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing—though you might not want to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats provide that classic chewy bite you want in cookie bars.
How do I keep the caramel layer from turning hard?
Add heavy cream or milk while melting the caramels. It keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from becoming brittle after baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better the next day once the flavors blend. Store them in an airtight container overnight.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes! Homemade salted caramel gives the bars a deeper, buttery flavor. Just make sure the sauce is thick enough to hold its shape.
A Treat That Never Disappoints
When you pull a tray of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars from the oven, you’re creating more than dessert—you’re creating a moment. The golden edges, the gooey center, the sprinkle of sea salt on top—all of it comes together in a recipe that feels like home.
So go ahead, grab your mixing bowl, melt some butter, and bake a batch. You’ll end up with a pan full of chewy, sweet-salty perfection that everyone will ask you to make again. Craving more dessert ideas? Explore Bake With Amelia’s collection of Easy Dessert Bar Recipes for more creative bakes like this one.
Ready to bake your next favorite dessert? Preheat that oven and let the magic begin—because once you taste these bars, there’s no going back. Love dessert mashups? You’ll adore our Easy Brookie Recipe — the perfect blend of brownies and cookies.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base and Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
For the Salted Caramel Layer:
- 11 oz soft caramels or homemade caramel sauce
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the oat mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Form the base: Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan.
- Make the caramel layer: Melt caramels with heavy cream over low heat until smooth. Pour over the oat base and spread evenly. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Add the topping: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer and gently press down.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and set in the middle.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars. For clean slices, chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overbake — bars firm up as they cool.
- Sprinkle extra flaky sea salt on top after baking for a gourmet touch.
- Substitute dark chocolate chips or add chopped nuts for variation.
