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Here are the simple ingredients you need for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in making these bars taste great. The oats add chewiness, while the butter makes them rich. Sugars create a nice sweetness, and the chocolate chips give that classic cookie flavor. If you choose nuts, they add a lovely crunch. This list keeps things simple and fun, making your baking experience enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Leave some parchment hanging over the edges for easy removal. - In a medium bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside. - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. - Beat this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy. - Next, add in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. - Gradually stir the dry oat and flour mix into the wet mixture. - Mix just until combined; do not overmix. - Now fold in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and nuts if you choose to use them. - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan using a spatula. - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. - Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment to lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. To get the best texture in your cookie bars, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing makes the bars tough. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If it’s clean, the bars may be overbaked. For the best results, place the baking pan on the middle rack of your oven. This lets the heat circulate evenly. If you want thicker bars, you might need a bit more time in the oven. Start checking at 25 minutes and adjust as needed. Serving is key! Drizzle melted chocolate on top and sprinkle some sea salt. This adds a gourmet touch. Pair these bars with a glass of cold milk. The flavors mix well, enhancing your dessert experience. You could also serve them with tea or coffee for a cozy treat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh butter and eggs for the best flavor and texture in your cookie bars. Don't Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined to ensure soft and chewy bars. Chill the Dough: For thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading. Store Properly: Keep the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can make these cookie bars gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This simple change keeps the texture soft and chewy. Many gluten-free flours work well, like almond or coconut flour. Be sure to check the package for the right amount to use. Want to jazz up your cookie bars? Add a dash of cinnamon for warmth. It makes the bars taste even cozier. You can also use different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate or white chocolate can give a new twist. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor. If you like nuts, try walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and flavor. For those who cannot have nuts, just leave them out. You can also try seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. These options keep your bars tasty without nuts. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place the bars on a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are cool, cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cookie bars. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, just take out a bar and leave it on the counter for a few hours. You can also warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back the soft, gooey goodness. When stored at room temperature, the bars stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Just make sure they are in a cool, dry place. If you notice any signs of mold or off smells, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your treats while they’re still tasty! Yes, you can use quick oats. The texture will change a bit. Quick oats absorb more liquid and create a softer bar. If you like a chewier texture, stick with rolled oats. Let the bars cool to room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Cooling them fully helps prevent crumbling when you cut them. If they are too warm, they may fall apart. Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Also, choose dairy-free chocolate chips. This will help you enjoy the bars without dairy. To make a larger batch, double the ingredients. Use a larger baking pan, like a 9x13 inch size. Adjust baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick. You now have a solid recipe for delicious cookie bars. We covered important ingredients and steps to bake them perfectly. You can customize flavors and textures, too. Remember to store them properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy these sweet treats with friends and find your favorite ways to serve them. Baking cookie bars can be fun and rewarding. Dive in and make your own version today!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Deliciously chewy cookie bars packed with oats, chocolate chips, and optional nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well incorporated.
  • Gradually add the dry oat and flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve the cookie bars on a wooden cutting board drizzled with melted chocolate and sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. Enjoy with a glass of milk!
Keyword chocolate chip, cookie bars, oatmeal