Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Craving a sweet treat that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than these oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars! These bars combine the best of both worlds – the chewy texture of oatmeal cookies and the gooey goodness of chocolate chip cookies, all in one convenient pan. You’ll love how simple they are to whip up, with just 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven.

Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends, this recipe yields 24 servings of soft, chewy bars packed with hearty oats and melty chocolate chips. At 250 calories per serving, they’re a treat you can feel good about enjoying. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked cookies!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these yummy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Make sure your butter is soft and your eggs are at room temp. This helps everything mix better.

You can use either chocolate chips or chunks. Pick your favorite! Some bakers like to mix in both for fun texture.

Don’t forget to line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. It makes taking the bars out super easy.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it. Line it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the bars later.

In a big bowl, mix the butter and sugars. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mix is light and fluffy.

Turn the mixer to low. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

In another bowl, combine the dry stuff: oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir by hand until partly mixed. Toss in the chocolate chips and stir just until you don’t see any flour.

Spread the dough in your pan. Use a spatula to press it down and make it smooth.

Bake for 22-28 minutes. The edges should be golden brown. Stick a toothpick in the middle – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Let the bars cool in the pan. For neat squares, chill them in the fridge before cutting. Enjoy your yummy treats!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up these oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun swaps and additions:

Flour options:

• Whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version

Sugar substitutes:

• Coconut sugar instead of brown sugar
• Maple syrup in place of some of the granulated sugar

Mix-ins:

• M&Ms or peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
• Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries

Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to change up the flavor.

For a healthier twist, replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. This will make the bars a bit more cakey but still delicious.

Feel free to experiment with different chocolate types too. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of chips can create new flavor combos you’ll love.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best results, use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything mix together smoothly. Don’t overmix the dough – it can make your bars tough.

Want extra chocolatey bars? Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking. You can also add nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

To get clean cuts, let the bars cool completely. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For even neater squares, chill the bars in the fridge first.

Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for 4-5 days. Put wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

You can freeze these bars too! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2-3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.

These bars are great for bake sales or care packages. They travel well and stay soft for days. Your friends and family will love them!