When you crave a cookie but want less fuss and more sharing, these Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the answer. Imagine thick, chewy bars packed with oats and melty chocolate chips cut into squares and ready to serve. They’re perfect for bake sales, lunch boxes, snack times or just when you want something sweet without scooping dozens of cookies.
What Is Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars / Why It’s Special
These bars are the cookie you know oatmeal + chocolate chip but turned into a one-pan, one-bake dessert. What makes them special is the texture: hearty oats for chew, chocolate for indulgence, and the bar format makes them easier to prep, slice and share. It’s smarter dessert baking with the same great flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (≈ 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (≈ 188 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups (≈ 180 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups (≈ 340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon for warmth
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- Replace ¼ cup of chocolate chips with butterscotch or white chocolate chips for variation
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (≈ 175 °C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create that nice texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Then stir the rolled oats into this dry mix.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips (and optional nuts) until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Spread & Bake
Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set (but still slightly soft). Don’t overbake! Tastes Better From Scratch+1
Step 7: Cool, Slice & Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares (16 to 24 depending on size desired). Serve and enjoy!
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
- Tip: Use old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats) to get the best chew and texture in the bars.
- Tip: Slightly under-baked bars (center still a bit soft) create a chewy result edges will firm up as they cool.
- Variation: Turn them into coconut chocolate chip oat bars by adding ½ cup shredded coconut.
- Variation: Use dark chocolate chips or a mix of chip types for flavor contrast.
- Why You’ll Love It: They combine comfort, ease and flavor all into one tray-bake. Fewer dishes, easier slicing, and the same cozy cookie taste.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of old-fashioned?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewyness will result. Old-fashioned oats are preferred for the best texture.
Q2. How long do these bars stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Q3. Can I double the recipe or adjust the pan size?
Yes, If you use an 8×8-inch pan instead of 9×13, you’ll get thicker bars just increase baking time by about 5–7 minutes and monitor doneness.
Q4. Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely. Nuts, dried cranberries or butterscotch chips all work well. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins similar so the texture stays balanced.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars bring big cookie flavor with half the fuss. Whether you need dessert for a crowd, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up or a treat for lunch boxes these bars deliver chewy, chocolatey joy.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!