There’s something irresistibly cozy about salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars. They remind me of cool autumn afternoons when the sun filters through orange leaves, the air smells faintly of cinnamon, and the kitchen is filled with the comforting aroma of caramel bubbling on the stove. These bars are more than just a dessert — they are a bite of nostalgia.

In many homes, including mine, cookie bars like these have become a beloved tradition, baked for family gatherings, holiday cookie trays, or just to treat ourselves on a weekend. The combination of chewy oats, gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and a sprinkle of flaky salt creates a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. They speak to the heart of indulgent, homemade baking — a recipe passed from friend to friend, with everyone adding their own little twist.

What makes salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars so special is their ability to bring people together. Whether you’re making them with kids, gifting them to a neighbor, or serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream, they carry a little magic in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars are:

• Chewy, buttery, and loaded with melty chocolate chips.
• Filled with gooey, homemade caramel that seeps into every layer.
• Topped with a light sprinkle of salt that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Easy to make ahead and share with friends or family.
• Customizable — you can add nuts or swap in different chocolate if you like.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the cookie bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CHIP OAT COOKIE BARS

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars is like wrapping your kitchen in a warm hug. I remember the first time I made them; the smell alone was enough to make the whole family gather around the oven. Here’s how to bring that same magic into your home.

Step 1: Make the caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring frequently until it turns amber. Carefully whisk in the butter and heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Keep stirring until smooth, then add the salt. Let it cool slightly while you make the dough.

Step 2: Make the cookie dough
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Fold in the oats and chocolate chips, savoring the sight of the dough coming together — speckled with oats and glistening chips.

Step 4: Assemble the bars
Spread two-thirds of the cookie dough into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Pour the salted caramel over the dough, then drop small dollops of the remaining dough on top. The caramel will peek through in places, creating pockets of gooey goodness.

Step 5: Bake and enjoy
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, until golden and set. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before slicing — though I admit I’ve snuck a warm piece more than once.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the dough so it doesn’t melt everything.
• Use parchment paper to lift the bars out easily once they cool.
• Don’t overbake — the bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so pull them when they’re just golden on top.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking for an extra salty-sweet touch.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES

You can swap semisweet chips for dark or milk chocolate, or even add a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch. If you want to skip homemade caramel, you can use high-quality store-bought caramel sauce.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per bar, approx.)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Do I have to make homemade caramel?
No — store-bought caramel works in a pinch, but homemade has a richer flavor.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Store salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze as mentioned above.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• S’mores Brownies
• Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
• Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars
• Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight

CONCLUSION

There’s something timeless about salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars. They’re the kind of treat that feels like home — soft, sweet, a little salty, and completely satisfying. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring smiles and maybe a few happy sighs with every bite.

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