Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars
I love chocolate, that is no secret. I love chocolate and caramel, also not a secret (why would I keep those facts a secret?) What I don’t love, is caramel getting stuck in my teeth. Don’t worry, this recipe does not have that kind of caramel! Also, while I am disclosing chocolate facts about myself, I will be completely honest, I am not a fan of oatmeal in my chocolate chip cookies. Somehow separating the chocolate from the oatmeal, makes it all right, even better than all right, pretty much my favorite cookie bar. These cookie bars are so easy, I really don’t make them enough! I have heard them called caramelitas before but I prefer this longer name because I feel like the chocolate stands out more than the caramel. In my version, anyway.
Instructions
Do not be overwhelmed by the caramel layer. These puppies are done in 30 minutes total. You will make the cookie portion first. Mix all the ingredients in a stand mixer and divide it in half. Bake half of the mixture first and while it is in the oven, you will melt the caramels. Kraft has a bag of caramel bits that makes melting the caramels so much faster. No unwrapping individual caramels – just open the bag, pour into a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir until it is all melted into a delicious caramel goodness. When the cookie layer is done, pour over the chocolate chips, then the caramel and the remaining cookie mixture. You’ll bake it again and then done!
Cooling
The hardest part will be waiting until it is completely cooled to eat. I like to put them in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the cooling process – just saying. This recipe makes about 20-24 bars depending on how big you cut them. If you haven’t tried these yet, I recommend you make them today, what are you waiting for?
Other Cookie Bars
Since we are talking about cookie bars, I also have these fruit and nut oatmeal bars that are equally as good and possibly a bit healthier – fruit and nuts make it healthier, right?
Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars
Layers of chocolate and caramel are sandwiched between two crunchy oatmeal cookie layers to make these irresistible cookie bars.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup melted butter
- 11 oz bag of caramels
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz package semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Mix together the flour, oatmeal, salt, baking soda, brown sugar, and butter. Sprinkle half of the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out until the bottom is covered evenly. (I weigh the mixture on a kitchen scale to determine what half of it is.) Bake for 10-12 minutes, until just lightly browned.
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While the cookie is baking, place the caramel (I use Kraft Caramel Bits for easy melting) and cream in a small sauce pan. On medium heat, stir constantly until the caramel is melted and combined with the cream.
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When the cookie is done, pour and spread the chocolate chips evenly over the cookie. Pour the caramel over the chocolate chips. Sprinkle the remaining cookie dough over the caramel until it is covered evenly. Bake for another 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Enjoy!
