Chocolate chips, oats, and caramel…is there any better combination? These cookie bars are so decadent and delicious! I recently received a cookbook filled with Pillsbury Bake-Off recipes. When I saw these Chocolate Chip, Oats ‘n Caramel Cookie Squares on the front, I knew I had to make them. These layered bars are so simple to make and require few ingredients. If you can’t see the walnuts in the pictures, it is because I didn’t add any. I am sure they taste just as wonderful with them. Be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting, or they will fall apart. When cutting the bars, use a knife dipped in warm water for a clean cut. Enjoy!!!!

Chocolate Chip, Oats ‘n Caramel Cookie Squares

Ingredients:

1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated chocolate chip cookies

1 cup quick-cooking oats

2/3 cup cup caramel ice cream topping

5 tbsps all purpose flour

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup walnuts

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, break up cookie dough. Stir or knead in oats and salt. Reserve 1/2 cup dough for topping. In ungreased 9-inch square pan, press remaining dough mixture evenly in bottom to form crust.
2. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until dough puffs and appears dry.
3. In small bowl, mix caramel topping, flour and vanilla until well blended. Sprinkle walnuts and baking chips evenly over crust. Drizzle evenly with caramel mixture. Crumble reserved 1/2 cup dough mixture over caramel.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen bars. Cool completely, about 1 hour, 30 minutes. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store tightly covered.

If you want your house to smell like a bakery, whip up a batch of these banana caramel oat bars. I love candles with fresh baked scents, and there should definitely be a candle made that captures the carmelized banana smell of these bars! It is incredible! These oat bars are easy to make, and they got rave reviews from all the girls at work today. I have a feeling that these caramel banana treats will be requested for the next office party!

Caramel Banana Oat Bars

Ingredients:

1 pkg. banana cake mix
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cup oats
1 cup oil
1 egg
3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

Directions:

1. Mix the cake mix, brown sugar and oats together.
2. Add the oil and the egg and mix well.
3. Pat half of the dough into a prepared 13 x 9-inch pan.
4. Spoon the caramel over the dough.
5. Crumble the rest of the dough over the topping.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.
7. Cool and cut into bars.