There’s something about the way a warm cookie bar smells that immediately pulls you into a moment of pause. This chocolate chip oatmeal cookie bar carries that comfort in every bite — hearty oats mingling with melty chocolate chips, all baked into a chewy, golden square. It’s the kind of treat that fits perfectly into a busy day when you want something sweet but satisfying, without the fuss of making cookies one by one.
I remember the last time I pulled these bars from the oven: the kitchen was filled with a subtle cinnamon aroma, and the chocolate chips were still soft and gooey, threatening to melt all over my fingers. I grabbed one, almost burning my tongue but savoring that mix of oats and chocolate that felt just right. I was halfway through before I noticed I’d dribbled a bit of melted chocolate on the counter. Typical, but honestly, that little mess made the whole experience somehow more real and homey.
- The bars blend chewy oats and sweet chocolate chips for a satisfying texture that’s not too dense or crumbly.
- They bake quickly, making them a go-to when you want a treat without a long wait.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward comfort.
- You can easily make a batch ahead and keep them stored for several days or freeze for longer.
If you’re worried about them being too sweet or heavy, these bars strike a nice balance. The oats keep things grounded, so it’s not just a sugar bomb. Still, if you’re watching sugar, you might want to cut back on the chips or try swapping in a few nuts.
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Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bar
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Deliciously chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookie bars that combine the hearty texture of oats with sweet chocolate chips, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the rolled oats and semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
These bars come together with just everyday baking tools, nothing fancy needed. I usually bake them in a standard 9×13 pan — it’s the perfect size to get those chewy edges and softer centers that everyone loves. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of coffee to turn an ordinary afternoon into a little moment of indulgence. If you want to switch things up, I’ve thought about adding dried cranberries or swapping cinnamon for nutmeg, but I haven’t tested those enough to say how they’d turn out exactly. Another time, I tried mixing in some chopped walnuts, which added a nice crunch but also made the bars a little less chewy.
FAQ
Can these bars be made gluten-free? You can try using gluten-free oats and flour substitutes, but I haven’t tested this recipe that way personally.
How do I store leftover bars? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips? Yes, semi-sweet works best for balance, but feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips.
There’s something about this recipe that makes it easy to come back to whenever that craving sneaks in. So go ahead, save the recipe, print it out, and get baking — these bars are waiting to turn your next snack time into something a little more special.