Decadent Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

Introduction: Satisfy your sweet cravings with these indulgent Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars! Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and hearty oats, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a comforting snack, these cookie bars are sure to please even the most discerning taste buds. Join us as we dive into the recipe and discover how to create these irresistible bars that will leave you craving for more!

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats

For the Chocolate Caramel Layer:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl, and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the oats until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Press two-thirds of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using your hands or a spatula to spread it out evenly.
8. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butter, and salt over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth.
9. Pour the chocolate caramel mixture evenly over the cookie dough in the baking pan, spreading it out with a spatula if needed.
10. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the chocolate layer, using a spoon to swirl it into the chocolate.
11. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the caramel layer, creating a rustic crumb topping.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
13. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
14. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
15. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
16. Serve these decadent Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars as a delightful treat for any occasion, and watch them disappear in seconds!
17. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
18. Enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate, caramel, and oats in every blissful bite!

Conclusion: With their layers of chocolatey goodness, gooey caramel, and hearty oats, these Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more!