Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that checks every box—cozy, irresistible, easy to whip up, and crowd-pleasing—these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are about to become your go-to dessert. With a soft, chewy center loaded with chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, each bite offers just the right blend of comfort and nostalgia. Whether you need a lunchbox surprise, a bake sale hit, or just a homemade pick-me-up, this is the one-pan wonder you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these bars is in their simplicity—every ingredient brings something special to the table. Together, they create that lovely golden crumb, melty chocolate pockets, and cozy aroma that screams “freshly baked!” Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why.

• Old-Fashioned Oats: These bring a hearty, chewy texture that sets these bars apart from a regular blondie or cookie.
• All Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure so your bars hold their shape while remaining tender.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and moisture, giving depth to every bite.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a touch of pure sweetness that helps the bars bake up golden and crisp at the edges.
• Baking Soda: Gives just enough lift for a soft, pleasant crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check, especially with that final sea salt sprinkle!
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle hint of warmth that plays beautifully with the oats and chocolate.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): The secret to rich bars with tender centers—melted butter blends effortlessly for a dreamy texture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bars that chewy, brownie-like finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out and lifts the overall flavor, making each ingredient pop.
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: The must-have for gooey, chocolatey bliss melting throughout the bars.
• Coarse Sea Salt (for finishing): A final sprinkle makes every bite sing, perfectly balancing the sweetness.

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees F. While it preheats, grease and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper. This makes sure those delicious Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars won’t stick and are easy to lift out for perfect slicing later. A little prep here makes cleanup a snap, too!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Give everything a good stir with a whisk or spoon. The oats and cinnamon are what make these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars taste like pure nostalgia, with lovely bursts of texture and aroma in every bite.

Step 3: Add in the Wet Ingredients

Pour your melted butter right into the dry mixture, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is just combined. This method helps guarantee you get that perfect chewy center—avoid overmixing, so your bars stay tender!

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently add the semi sweet chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in so they’re distributed evenly throughout—this way, you’ll get melty chocolate in every single square you slice. If you want a little extra indulgence, feel free to sprinkle some chips right on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing it into all the corners for even baking. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the bars look lightly golden and set in the middle. Every kitchen smells a little happier at this stage!

Step 6: Finish with Salt, Cool, and Slice

When you pull the pan from the oven, sprinkle the still-warm bars with coarse sea salt. Let them cool completely in the pan—this ensures the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars cut cleanly and hold their shape. Slice, serve, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finish, but honestly, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars shine with just a little extra sea salt sprinkled while still warm. For a fun flourish, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert!

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a tall glass of icy milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or a piping hot coffee. If you’re serving them at a party, they go hand-in-hand with fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness and keep things colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a rustic wooden board for a homestyle bake sale vibe, or wrap each square in parchment paper and tie with twine for adorable lunchbox treats. Feeling elegant? Arrange triangles on a platter and set out tiny dessert forks for a memorable cookie bar tasting spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars store beautifully! Simply cover the cooled bars tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and chewy on your kitchen counter for up to 4 days—perfect for make-ahead snacks or impromptu visitors!

Freezing

To freeze, place cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then pop them into a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers. The bars will keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature, so you’re never far from homemade goodness.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, pop a bar or two in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving. The chocolate softens, the aroma returns, and your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars taste like they’re fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

You can, but the texture will be softer and a bit less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars their signature bite, but in a pinch, quick oats work too—just don’t use instant, as the bars may become overly dense.

What kind of chocolate chips are best?

Semi sweet chocolate chips are my top pick for balance, but you can absolutely swap extra dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for a twist. Mixing a few varieties makes the bars even more decadent!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Watch for a light golden color and set center. The bars shouldn’t be jiggly in the middle, but a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. Every oven is different, so start checking at 18 minutes.

Can I make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The recipe holds up beautifully and everyone can still enjoy a chewy, satisfying treat.

Can I double this recipe to feed a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan or bake two batches side by side. These bars are the ultimate party dessert because they’re easy to slice and serve, and they transport like a dream.

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra special about sharing a fresh batch of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with people you love—they’re cozy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to delight every chocolate chip fan. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, give this recipe a go and see just how quickly it earns a spot in your regular rotation!

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