Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars

I found two versions of this recipe so I combined them here to make one super Delicious treat.

11/2 cups flour

11/2 cups oats (use old fashion or quick)

11/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup butter melted or softened

1 tsp vanilla

1 12 oz bag milk chocolate chips

1 14oz bag of caramels, unwrapped

1/2 cup whipping cream

OR

1/3-1/2 jar of Mrs. Richardson's Butterscotch Caramel Ice Cream Topping

In a large bowl mix together first 7 ingredients to form a crumbly mixture. After mixing together spread half of mixture in a greased 9x13 pan and bake @ 350 for 8-10 minutes.
Melt caramels and whipping cream in a saucepan over low heat(if using ice cream topping skip this step). Top the baked cookie crust with caramel, then chocolate chips. Sprinkle remaining cookie mixture on top and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let bars cool completely before cutting.
Yield 2 dozen bars.