These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect blend of chewy, buttery goodness with a burst of chocolate in every bite. With all the flavors of a classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie but much easier to make, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re ideal for an after-school snack, a dessert for a family gathering, or a sweet treat to bring to a party. The best part? They’re simple to make and bake in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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14 tablespoons unsalted butter
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¾ cup packed brown sugar
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 cups quick-cook oats (old-fashioned oats will also work)
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1 cup milk chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just integrated. Then increase the speed until the dry ingredients are fully combined.
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Add Oats and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the oats and chocolate chips.
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Press Into Pan: Press the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan.
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Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 24 bars
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Nutty Version: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
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Fruit Add-ins: Mix in some dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
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Different Chips: Swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even white chocolate chips.
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Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a unique spice blend.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
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Reheating: These bars are delicious as is, but you can also warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cook oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture of the bars may be slightly different—chewier with a bit more texture.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
4. Can I use butter substitute for a lighter version?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with unsweetened applesauce or a light butter substitute for a lower-fat option, but the texture may be slightly different.
5. Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. After baking and cooling, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
6. Can I add more chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips to suit your personal taste or even use a combination of milk, dark, and white chocolate chips.
7. How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They may also firm up a bit as they cool.
8. Can I use a 9×9-inch pan instead?
If using a 9×9-inch pan, the bars will be thicker. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
9. Can I add a frosting to these bars?
For an indulgent treat, you can frost these bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
10. What can I serve these bars with?
These bars are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a cup of coffee or milk.
Conclusion
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate easy-to-make dessert—chewy, buttery, and full of chocolatey goodness. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick snack, a treat for a party, or something to pack for school or work. With minimal prep and bake time, these bars are a must-try for chocolate and oatmeal lovers alike!
Print
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are chewy, buttery, and packed with chocolate chips, making them the perfect easy dessert. With the same delicious flavor as oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, but in a bar form, these are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
14 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick cook oats (old fashioned oats will work as well)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beat on low speed until combined, then increase the speed until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the oats and chocolate chips.
Press and Bake: Press the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
