Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Transform one of your favorite cookie flavors into a simple and delicious dessert with these Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Rather than the tedious process of scooping individual cookies, you can easily spread the dough into a pan, delivering the same rich flavors and textures. Loaded with old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, and a dash of cinnamon, these delightful bars can be prepared in about 30 minutes!

Oatmeal chocolate chip bars cut into squares.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These bars are a delightful twist on classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, perfect for oatmeal cookie lovers!
  • A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to each bite.
  • Enjoy melty chocolate chips in every morsel.
  • Cleanup is a breeze since you’ll only need a few dishes.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make oatmeal chocolate chip bars.
  • Light brown sugar and vanilla extract bring that classic chocolate chip cookie taste to the bars. Dark brown sugar can also be substituted if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Softened unsalted butter provides richness and enhances the chewiness of these dessert bars.
  • Old-fashioned oats set these cookie bars apart from their traditional counterparts, giving them a satisfying texture. Ensure you use old-fashioned oats rather than quick-cooking or steel-cut varieties!
  • Cinnamon introduces a subtle warmth that elevates the overall flavor.
  • The bars truly shine with chocolate chips. While semi-sweet is my preferred choice, feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate varieties!

For a complete list of ingredients and measurements, refer to the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Consider adding raisins, M&Ms, or peanut butter chips in place of the chocolate chips to alter the flavor profile.
  • For a decadent touch, swirl some peanut butter or Nutella across the top before baking.
  • Frost the cooled bars with a rich buttercream frosting for an extra special treat.
  • If you’re an oat lover, feel free to add an extra ¼ cup of oats, keeping in mind this may slightly alter the moisture level.

Please share your experience with substitutions in the comments! We’d love to hear how they worked out for you!

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Mixing butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Then incorporate the egg and vanilla until thoroughly combined.

Mixing in dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Step 2: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Folding oats and chocolate chips into the dough.

Step 3: Gently fold in the oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pressing cookie dough into the pan.

Step 4: Press the cookie dough evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan. If desired, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the edges turn golden and the center is set, roughly 20-25 minutes.

Expert Baking Tips

  1. Be cautious not to overbake the cookie bars! They should emerge from the oven while the edges are golden, and the center is still slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook a bit while cooling!
  2. Elevate your bars by using high-quality chocolate chunks instead of standard chocolate chips. Right before serving, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for an enhanced flavor experience!
  3. Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Using a food scale to weigh your dry ingredients will yield the best results.

Recipe FAQs

Does this recipe contain oatmeal?

No, but it does include dry old-fashioned oats which are key for texture.

Can I make this recipe into individual cookies?

Although I haven’t tested it, you should be able to scoop out individual cookies and bake them at the same temperature, likely taking about half the time or even less than the bars. Consider substituting the baking powder for ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to promote spreading.

Can I use a 9×13 inch pan?

If you double the recipe, it will fit perfectly in a 9×13 inch pan.

How can I make these bars healthier?

If you’re looking to make these bars lower in sugar, you can use alternatives like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute designed for baking. Additionally, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.

How do I store leftovers?

Store fully cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Storage

Room Temperature

Keep your oatmeal chocolate chip bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, freeze cooled cookie bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

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📖 Recipe

Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars are the perfect dessert! They’re quick and easy, making for a treat that everyone will love!

Course:

Dessert

Cuisine:

American

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Servings:

16 bars

Calories:

194 kcal

Ingredients:

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, light or dark, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch metal pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until just combined, then gently fold in the oats and chocolate chips.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake until the edges are golden and the center is mostly firm, about 20-25 minutes.

Storage:

Store cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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