Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl Recipe

Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl Recipe is the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

With the perfect balance of chewy texture and gooey goodness, these bars are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings and indulge in a little bit of comfort food bliss.

So go ahead, take a bite, and let the sweet indulgence wash over you.

Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl Recipe – A Quick Overview

Recipe Information	Details
Recipe Description	Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl, a rich and indulgent dessert perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	25 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes
Type of Dish	Dessert, Bars
The Cuisine of the Recipe	American
Quantity Produced by the Recipe	9-12 bars
The Number of Calories in the Recipe	approximately 320-350 per bar

About Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl Recipe

Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl are a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the classic flavors of oatmeal cookies with the richness of brown butter and the creaminess of Nutella.

These bars feature a chewy oatmeal cookie base infused with the nutty flavor of brown butter, topped with a swirl of salted Nutella for a sweet and salty contrast.

Why Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl is a Must-Try?

• Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of oatmeal cookies, brown butter, and salted Nutella is a game-changer.
• Texture Heaven: These bars offer a delightful mix of textures: chewy oatmeal cookie base, creamy Nutella swirl, and crunchy sea salt on top.
• Elevated Oatmeal Cookies: The addition of brown butter takes oatmeal cookies to the next level, adding depth and complexity to the classic cookie.
• Nutella Lovers Rejoice: If you’re a fan of Nutella, you’ll adore the salted Nutella swirl that adds a burst of chocolate-hazelnut flavor to each bite.
• Easy to Make: Despite the impressive presentation, these bars are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and under 45 minutes of prep time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, a dessert to impress friends and family, or a special indulgence for a celebration, these bars fit the bill.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the recipe! Add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries can enhance the flavor and texture of the bars.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep or as a make-ahead dessert for a party.
• Impressive Presentation: The salted Nutella swirl on top of the bars creates a stunning visual effect, making them perfect for special occasions or as a gift for friends and family.
• Satisfies Sweet Cravings: Let’s face it – these bars are a sweet indulgence that will satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth. Treat yourself or share with friends and family to spread the joy!

Ingredients For Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl

For the Oatmeal Cookie Base:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Brown Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Salted Nutella Swirl:

• 1 cup Nutella
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Essential Tools For Making Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl

1. 9×9-inch Baking Dish
2. Parchment Paper
3. Medium Saucepan
4. Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
5. Rubber Spatula
6. Whisk
7. Measuring Cups and Spoons
8. Wire Rack
9. Airtight Container
10. Oven Thermometer
11. Silicone Spatula
12. Pastry Brush

Step-by-Step Instructions For Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl

Step 1: Prepare the Oatmeal Cookie Base

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
• Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Continue cooking the butter, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
• Remove the brown butter from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Oatmeal Cookie Base

• Press the oatmeal cookie mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Drizzle the brown butter over the oatmeal cookie mixture, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Oatmeal Cookie Base

• Bake the oatmeal cookie base for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown.
• Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Salted Nutella Swirl

• In a small bowl, whisk together the Nutella, sea salt, and softened butter until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Bars

• Once the oatmeal cookie base is cool, spread the Salted Nutella Swirl over the top.
• Use a knife or spatula to create a swirly pattern on top of the bars.

Step 7: Refrigerate and Cut the Bars

• Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the Nutella swirl.
• Cut the bars into desired size and shape.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl chilled, garnished with sea salt if desired.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Overmixing the Oatmeal Cookie Base: Avoid overmixing the oatmeal cookie base, as it can lead to a tough and dense texture.
• Not Browning the Butter Enough: Make sure to brown the butter until it reaches a deep golden brown color and has a nutty aroma.
• Not Cooling the Oatmeal Cookie Base: Make sure to cool the oatmeal cookie base completely before adding the Salted Nutella Swirl.
• Overbaking the Oatmeal Cookie Base: Avoid overbaking the oatmeal cookie base, as it can lead to a dry and crumbly texture.
• Not Whisking the Salted Nutella Swirl Enough: Make sure to whisk the Salted Nutella Swirl until it’s smooth and creamy.
• Not Refrigerating the Bars Long Enough: Make sure to refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the Nutella swirl.
• Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Avoid cutting the bars too soon, as they may fall apart. Let them set for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Best Ways to Serve Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl

• Chilled and Sliced: Serve the bars chilled, sliced into bars or squares, and garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair the bars with a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor, such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry.
• As a Dessert Bar: Set up a dessert bar with the oatmeal cookie bars, along with other toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Serve the bars with a warm cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a breakfast or brunch gathering.
• As a Snack or Treat: Offer the bars as a snack or treat at a party or gathering, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair the bars with a selection of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas.
• As a Gift: Package the bars in a decorative tin or jar and give as a gift to friends, family, or coworkers.
• With a Glass of Cold Milk: Serve the bars with a glass of cold milk, perfect for a nostalgic treat.
• At a Brunch or Breakfast: Serve the bars at a brunch or breakfast gathering, paired with other sweet and savory items.
• As a Base for a Sundae: Use the oatmeal cookie bars as the base for a sundae, topped with ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top!

Tips For Preserving Freshness and Flavor for Longer

• Store in an Airtight Container: Store the oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container to prevent air from reaching the bars and causing them to become stale.
• Keep in a Cool, Dry Place: Store the bars in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them near a heat source or in a humid environment.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: If you won’t be consuming the bars within a few days, consider freezing them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the bars retain their flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can cause the bars to become tough and dense.
• Don’t Overbake: Don’t overbake the bars, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly.
• Store in a Single Layer: Store the bars in a single layer to prevent them from becoming crushed or damaged.
• Use a Dehumidifier: If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air and help preserve the freshness of the bars.
• Freeze Individual Portions: Consider freezing individual portions of the bars to make it easier to grab and go.
• Label and Date: Label and date the container or bag to ensure you know how long the bars have been stored.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	320
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	200mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	20g
Protein	4g

Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

How to Make This Recipe Perfect Every Time?

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Measure the ingredients accurately to ensure the right proportions.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh butter and pure vanilla extract, to ensure the best flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Don’t overmix the dough, as this can cause the bars to become tough and dense.
• Use the Right Pan: Use a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure the bars cook evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: Don’t overbake the bars, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly.
• Check the Bars: Check the bars frequently while they’re baking to ensure they don’t overcook.
• Let Them Cool: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into bars.
• Store Them Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a longer period.
• Experiment with Flavors: Experiment with different flavors, such as adding nuts or chocolate chips, to create a unique taste.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t turn out perfectly. Keep trying, and you’ll get the hang of it!

Conclusion

Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Brown Butter and Salted Nutella Swirl are a delicious and unique dessert that combines the classic flavors of oatmeal cookies with the richness of brown butter and the sweetness of Nutella.

The addition of salted Nutella swirl adds a delightful contrast of textures and flavors to the bars, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.

So go ahead, indulge in the ooey-gooey goodness of these oatmeal cookie bars and experience the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite!

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to store these bars?

A: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

A: Yes, you can use other types of nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter, as a substitute for peanut butter.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?

A: Yes, you can use other types of sugar, such as white sugar or turbinado sugar, as a substitute for brown sugar.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

A: Yes, you can use other types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, as a substitute for milk chocolate.

Q: Can I make these bars in a different shape?

A: Yes, you can make these bars in a different shape, such as a rectangle or a square, by adjusting the baking time and temperature accordingly.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.