Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly straddles the line between homey comfort and pure chocolatey bliss, these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are about to become your new obsession. Soft and chewy oats pair with melty chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a golden bar that’s ridiculously easy to whip together. Whether you need a lunchbox surprise, a bake sale winner, or just something to brighten your afternoon, this recipe delivers every single time. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch — because these bars disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars is how each ingredient brings something special to the party. The combination of pantry staples and a few key players creates a texture and flavor that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of a rich, tender crumb and that classic buttery flavor.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes these bars so chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the brown sugar and helps the bars bake up with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the bars their perfect lift.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors and adds that cozy bakery aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure without making the bars dense.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives just enough rise for a soft, chewy bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Old-fashioned oats (3 cups): The star of the show! They add hearty texture and make every bite satisfyingly chewy.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Pockets of gooey chocolate throughout — feel free to use your favorite variety or mix in some chopped chocolate for extra flair.
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s perfectly hot and ready when you are. Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This simple step makes it a breeze to lift out the bars later (and saves you from any sticky situations).
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Keep going until the mixture looks pale and fluffy — that’s your cue that the sugars have melded perfectly with the butter for a tender base.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to keep everything smooth and glossy. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another quick mix. These ingredients tie all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with any uneven bites down the line.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. You don’t want to overmix — just enough so the flour disappears and the dough holds together.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part! Gently fold in the oats and chocolate chips. The mixture will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want — it means your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars will be delightfully chewy.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scrape the dough into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly (an offset spatula or the back of a spoon works wonders here). Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. For gooier bars, stick to the shorter baking time; for firmer, more cookie-like bars, let them go a little longer. You’re looking for a golden top and a center that’s set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This wait is the hardest part, but it helps the bars set up perfectly and makes clean slices a breeze. Now, dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking — it brings out the chocolate flavor in the most amazing way. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm bars also takes things up a notch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars at a gathering, pair them with fresh fruit like strawberries or a bowl of mixed berries to balance the sweetness. A cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee is the classic combo for a reason — they make every bite feel extra cozy!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered platter for a pretty display. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment and tie them with twine for a charming lunchbox or picnic treat. Or, layer bar pieces with whipped cream and berries in small glasses for a playful dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, keep leftover Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days — though good luck making them last that long!
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love a warm, melty chocolate moment, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds before eating. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic and makes the chocolate chips irresistibly gooey.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats give the bars their signature chewy texture, but in a pinch, you can use quick oats. Just be aware the bars may be a little softer and less hearty.
What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
Let the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars cool completely in the pan, then use a sharp knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts) for perfectly neat squares.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Fold in up to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries for extra crunch and flavor variety. Just reduce the chocolate chips slightly if adding lots of extras.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Use two pans, or a larger sheet pan if you have one, and keep an eye on the baking time — you may need a few extra minutes. Perfect for parties or gifting!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bake up a batch of these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars and see just how quickly they disappear from your kitchen. They’re the kind of treat that’s easy enough for a weekday but special enough to share with friends. Give them a try and let them become a staple in your dessert lineup!
Print
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip bars made with a perfect blend of butter, brown sugar, oats, and semisweet chocolate chips. These bars are an easy-to-make dessert or snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add oats and chocolate chips: Fold in the old-fashioned oats and semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread dough and bake: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and set in the center. For chewier bars, bake closer to 25 minutes; for firmer bars, bake longer.
- Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 24 bars to ensure they hold together well.
Notes
- Bake closer to 25 minutes for softer, chewier bars or up to 30 minutes for firmer bars.
- Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips as preferred.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and crunch.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
