If you’ve ever craved both chocolate chip cookies and a hearty oat treat all at once, these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are your new sweet spot. Each bite brings together the chewy goodness of rolled oats and the melty decadence of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bar that’s impossible to resist. It’s a fuss-free recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into a treat that works for quick snacks, lunchbox surprises, or even a cozy dessert. You only need a handful of ingredients and less than an hour to stir up a batch that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your family with delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few classic baking staples can transform into something truly special. Each ingredient in these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars plays a key role, contributing to their signature texture, flavor, and golden color. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each matters:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Brings richness and creates that tender, chewy crumb we all love in a good bar.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth thanks to its molasses content.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Lends sweetness and helps achieve that lightly crisp top edge.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together for just the right amount of lift and structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Gives each bite warm, inviting undertones that pair perfectly with chocolate and oats.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Keeps the bars sturdy but still tender—don’t overmix for the best texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the bars rise evenly and stay soft rather than dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances all the flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): Provide that classic, chewy texture and nutty flavor you can’t get from instant oats.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups): The star ingredient, melting into gooey pockets throughout the bars.
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature for even baking and a golden top. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well so those gorgeous bars come out easily—no sticking or crumbling allowed!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you have a light, fluffy mixture. This step is so crucial for creating that perfect chewy inside and slightly crisp outside in your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This ensures everything blends smoothly, so your bars hold together beautifully, with a tempting aroma baking right in.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients on their own first guarantees the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving the bars their irresistible, soft lift.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring with care just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can toughen the bars, so stop as soon as there are no more streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and chocolate chips by hand. Every bite should have plenty of oat-y chew and pockets of chocolate—this is where your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars truly come to life!
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Slide into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached—don’t overbake if you love a chewy bar.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes slicing a breeze. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment and cut into your desired size—24 bars is standard, but you can customize as you like!
How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate makes your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars extra eye-catching. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a few extra chocolate chips or some chopped nuts across the top while they’re warm.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort combo, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also taste wonderful with a coffee or latte, making a lovely weekday treat or sweet brunch addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter. You can even stack them with parchment paper in between and wrap with a ribbon for an adorable edible gift. Alternatively, layer the bars in a mason jar with a swirl of whipped cream for a fun, deconstructed dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing them this way locks in that perfect chewy texture and keeps them fresh for grab-and-go snacking any time.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic or foil, then place in a zip-top bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when cravings hit.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked experience, pop a thawed or room temperature bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips get beautifully melty, and the bar tastes freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can swap in quick oats in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats create the most satisfying chewy texture in these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars. Quick oats may make the bars softer, but they’ll still taste delicious.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and double-check your oats are certified gluten-free. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly based on your flour choice.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries make wonderful add-ins for extra crunch or a burst of tartness. Feel free to customize your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars to suit your cravings.
What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
Wait until the bars are fully cooled before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This ensures neat, tidy edges and helps the bars stay intact for serving or packing.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can decrease each type Dessert. Just know it might slightly change the texture, but your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars will still be a hit!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars a try—once you see how easy and delicious they are, you’ll want to bake them again and again. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these bars are a feel-good classic that never disappoints. Happy baking!
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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the wholesome goodness of oats with the indulgence of chocolate chips. Chewy, sweet, and satisfying, these bars are a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture.
- Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the oats and chocolate chips until just combined.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- You can customize these bars by adding nuts or dried fruit.
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
