Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite. Ready in about 45 minutes, they’re an easy dessert bar for lunchboxes, bake sales, after-school treats, and to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
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These chocolate chip oatmeal bars are a great choice when you want the flavor of homemade cookies without the hassle of shaping. They are thick, soft, and bursting with chocolately goodness. What more could you want in a bar?
If you love oatmeal recipes like this one, then you don’t want to miss these Apple Oatmeal Bars, Cherry Oatmeal Bars, or Blueberry Oatmeal Bars. They are super easy to make, and make the perfect shareable dessert.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick dessert: They’re incredibly easy to make using simple pantry ingredients, and there’s no need to chill the dough, which saves you time.
- Perfect texture: You’ll love the texture, soft and chewy in the center with lightly golden edges; these bars hit all your favorite textures in one bite.
- Full of chocolate: These bars are loaded with rich chocolate chips, so you get rich chocolate goodness in every bite.
- Great for sharing: Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a large party, you can cut these soft oatmeal bars into the right size for your event, so there is a piece for everyone.
Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Bars Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use quick oats: They will work in a pinch, but the bars may be a little softer and less chewy.
- Try different chocolate: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of chocolate chips.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
- Make them extra sweet: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or simple glaze over the top of the cooled bars.
- Add cinnamon: A little cinnamon gives the bars a warm flavor that pairs well with the oatmeal.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Cream until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add the old fashioned oats and mix until incorporated.
- Add the semi sweet chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Notes
- For clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts. This keeps the chocolate from dragging.
- Want gooey bars? Remove the bars from the oven 3-5 minutes before they are ready; they will have a nice, gooey texture.
- Sprinkle a small handful of chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes before lifting out to prevent breaking.
Nutrition Information
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Kim’s Top Tips
- Use softened butter, not melted butter, for the best chewy texture.
- Line the pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily. This will make cutting super easy.
- Don’t overbake. The center should be set, and the edges should just start to turn golden.
- Let the bars cool before slicing, so they hold their shape.
How to Store
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Room Temperature: These can sit at room temperature for a day if tightly covered, but refrigerating helps keep them fresh longer.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper.
- Thawing: Let frozen bars thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these oatmeal chocolate chip bars with a glass of Almond Milk, hot coffee, or iced tea. They’re also great paired with your favorite meal, such as Rolled Tacos or Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Bars FAQs
The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should look set. Don’t allow them to become overly dark, though.
Yes, these are great to make a day ahead. Store them covered until ready to serve.
They may have been overbaked or sliced before completely cooled. Let them cool completely before cutting, so they hold their shape.
