Delicious oatmeal cookie brownie bars with a chocolate caramel brownie base – a “brookie” (brownie-cookie) bar at it’s best!
Hey everyone! How was your weekend? And how is this dessert for starting your Monday off in a great kind of way?!
Mondays definitely call for a bar just like this! Brownies combined with cookies, plus caramel, and a chocolate layer? Yeah this is kind of a crazy dessert, but it’s absolutely delicious. And it’s honestly not “too rich” even though it kind of looks like it would be.
I had the idea to make some kind of brookies (brownies and cookies mashed together) and thought bars would be the simplest way to make them. From there, I wanted to get a little more creative with the cookie topping and since these molten lava oatmeal caramel cookies are probably my favorite cookie ever, they were the inspiration for the caramel-chocolate-oatmeal cookie layers.
Since I’ve been dying to share with you all the cake I made for my mom’s birthday over a month ago (chocolate with chocolate mousse layers), I decided today would be the perfect day to share that recipe! However, I had some bad luck this past week. The first time I made the cake, one of the cake layers broke in half as I was trying to layer it. I tried to salvage the cake, but it ended up being pretty slanted and didn’t look too spectacular. So, no big deal, I decided to make it again! The next time? Gorgeous cake — I was so excited to start taking pictures of it! And then I dropped it. The entire cake – on the floor. Somehow I thought I could carry my little guy AND the cake at the same time. When he lounged forward, the cake followed.
Okay, so third time is the charm right?! Wrong. This time I thought I would change up the mousse a bit and try something new. Somehow I had become bored of making the same mousse. 🙂 So I tried something different and bam – mousse ruined. I slightly over-cooked those cakes too and that was when I threw in the towel for this cake.
Don’t worry though. I’m no quitter and you will get that cake recipe! It’s one of my absolute favorite creations! However, after three failed attempts I needed a break and that is why this post does not contain a cake or cupcake recipe. I think the bars do a blog birthday justice though. I mean, I’d be happy to get a batch of these for my birthday! 🙂
PLUS, I only had to attempt these bars twice before getting you this recipe so that was a major bonus. The first time they still tasted great, but I way under-cooked the brownies. It ended up more like a fudge at the bottom. And I decided the top cookie layer needed a little more “omph.” Second time and these bars are now considered perfection by the husband, the babe, and a few members of my family that got to sample them. I sent some with my mom to take to my great grandma and she loved them too!Although they have four different layers, they whip up super quickly. One reason is I used a brownie mix as the base. If you are a follower of my site you know I’m crazy about brownie mixes – I love the flavor and the ease. But these bars (like most recipes where I use a brownie mix) can also use your favorite homemade brownie recipe for the base.
The next two layers are pretty easy – one is just a bag of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate is the best in these, but if you are a big fan of dark use that. OR if you are worried about this dessert being too rich, try using semi-sweet chips. Next is melted caramel. I recommend using the individually wrapped caramels just because the caramel bits (or unwrapped caramel) tends to get pretty waxy.
Finally: the “oatmeal cookie” layer which is super quick and easy to make – oats, flour, butter, brown sugar, baking soda, and some salt. Mix together, bake, and dessert is ready! Well, kind of. These bars do take a few hours to really “set-up.” They are pretty gooey right out of the oven so make sure to allow some time for them to harden and the layers to solidify if you want a cleanly cut bar.
Happy, happy blogiversary Cat! I wish I could send you all some of these delicious brownie cookie bars to help celebrate!
More delicious desserts:

Delicious oatmeal cookie brownie bars with a chocolate caramel brownie base - a "brookie" (brownie-cookie) bar at it's best!
- 1 package (18.3 ounces) fudge brownie mix + ingredients called for
- 1 bag (11 ounces) wrapped caramels
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 (2 cups) milk chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup white flour
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Generously grease (or line with parchment paper) a 9 x 13 pan. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, prepare the brownies according to package instructions. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.
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Meanwhile, unwrap the caramels and put in a microwave safe bowl with the heavy cream or milk.
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Microwave in bursts of 30 seconds stirring for 20-25 seconds in between each burst until the caramel mixture is smooth and creamy. Be patient and microwave for short amounts of time to avoid burning the caramel.
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When the brownies are done (they shouldn't be cooked all the way - take them out right at 20 minutes), pour the chocolate chips evenly over the brownies.
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Pour the melted caramel over the chocolate chips.
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In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
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Melt the butter and add it to the mixture along with the vanilla. Stir until a good crumble is formed. If the mixture is too wet, add a little bit more flour and if it is too dry, a bit more melted butter.
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Crumble the cookie mixture evenly over the melted caramel and bake for another 13-16 minutes or until golden brown on top.
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Remove and allow to cool and set up for at least 1 hour or you are able to cut clean bars.
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
June 29, 2015 at 8:57 amAhhh girl! I would have cried if I dropped the cake ahhah you are better than I. These brownies though… I’m drooling.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
June 29, 2015 at 9:33 amOh these bars look amazing, Chelsea! I love the brownie and cookie combo. And everything is better with caramel! Pinned!
June @ How to Philosophize with Cake says
June 29, 2015 at 10:18 amWow those look amazing! So many layers to love 🙂
[email protected] says
June 29, 2015 at 10:26 amThese look fabulous! I think these would make my Monday so much sweeter.
[email protected] Apple of My Eye says
June 29, 2015 at 12:29 pmOh my GOSH. The decadence in this has my mouthwatering and I’m slightly dying because it would have gone so perfectly with my morning cup of black coffee. Feel free to send me a slice or ten ;).
And such an awesome giveaway! Entering now!
Kelly says
June 29, 2015 at 1:27 pmOh my goodness, these cookie bars look SO amazing, Chelsea! I love all those decadent layers! Brownies, caramel, chocolate and the oatmeal cookie sound like the best combination! Such a perfect way to brighten up a Monday! So gorgeous!
Rachel @ athletic avocado says
June 29, 2015 at 3:12 pmI think you just combined the best three desserts ever! These look like perfection!
Ashley says
June 29, 2015 at 3:47 pmOh gosh! Dropping the cake!! I’ve done things like that and always end up crying haha even though I know it’s so silly!
But these bars definitely make up for it! Goodness they look good!
Julia @ Sprinkled With Jules says
June 29, 2015 at 4:23 pmThese are JUST what my Monday needs 🙂
Beth @ bethcakes says
June 29, 2015 at 4:26 pmOh goodness, these bars look so gooey with all that caramel! Yum. So sorry about your cakes! I can’t wait to see the final cake when you post it though! 🙂
Happy Valley Chow says
June 29, 2015 at 5:55 pmGoodness gracious I want these in my belly! They look fantastic, great job 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
June 29, 2015 at 6:15 pmThese are just as good as any cupcakes! LOVE that caramel layer — wish I could eat them for supper!
[email protected] says
June 30, 2015 at 7:42 amOMG! These cookie bars………YUM-a-LISH-ous! It doesn’t get better than caramel and chocolate!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit says
June 30, 2015 at 8:58 amahhh i would get SO frustrated if i tried to make something and it kept going wrong!! smart idea on taking a break. these brownie bars are the perfect substitution 🙂
Anna @ Sunny Side Ups says
June 30, 2015 at 6:46 pmOh my lanta…that gooey caramel!! I’m so so sorry about your cake fall, but these bars look absolutely heavenly! 🙂 Pinned!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
June 30, 2015 at 9:35 pmOh my God… these bars look so soft and gooey!! And the caramel brings these bars to another level 😉
Cat @ therusticwillow says
July 1, 2015 at 1:26 pmI CAN’T BELIEVE THESE ARE REAL. Those layers are blowing my mind. I seriously can’t wait to make these–thanks for celebrating my blogiversary with me <3
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
July 1, 2015 at 4:53 pmThese certainly look amazing! Pinning!
Kelley says
July 1, 2015 at 6:38 pmThese looks so very relish! Going to make them this weekend for the 4th! Great recipe 🙂
Kelley says
July 1, 2015 at 6:38 pmlol- DELISH! not relish 🙂
Ana | Espresso My Kitchen says
July 6, 2015 at 11:13 pmThese look absolutely delicious! Pinned!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
July 15, 2015 at 10:11 pmoh no you poor thing-so sorry about the cakes 🙁
but I’m NOT sorry that you’re posting these AMAZING brookies! I love that they’re oatmeal cookies and there’s caraamelllll mmmmmmmm
Karren Haller ♥ Oh My Heartsie Girl says
August 1, 2015 at 10:49 amHi Chelsea, I found this delicious recipe on Stumble Upon and had to come see more. It looks so delicious, I have gained a pound drooling over it. I would like to invite you to share your recipe on my Friday Features Linky Party this week.
I do hope you will stop over and share. And now I have Pinned and Stumbled!!
Hope you have a delicious weekend!
Karren
chelseamessyapron says
August 1, 2015 at 3:05 pmThank you so much Karren!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well 🙂