Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Introduction

The Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bar is the ultimate comfort bake, perfectly blending the hearty chewiness of a traditional oatmeal cookie with the rich, gooey texture of a classic chocolate chip bar. These bars are incredibly satisfying, easy to slice, and require none of the chilling or rolling associated with cookie dough, making them ideal for quick weeknight desserts, lunchbox treats, or feeding a crowd. They offer a wholesome base of oats combined with the irresistible decadence of melted chocolate—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that stays soft and moist for days.

Ingredients

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (165 g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups (270 g) rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)

Step-by-step Preparation

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the exposed pan edges if necessary.
Tip: Ensure the parchment paper hangs over the long sides of the pan; this acts as a sling for lifting the bars out cleanly after cooling.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Fold in Oats and Chocolate: Using a rubber spatula, fold in the rolled oats and the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure the surface is smooth and the dough reaches all corners. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tip: The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still looks slightly soft or underbaked. This ensures a chewy texture.
Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 to 2 hours). Cooling is essential; cutting them warm will result in crumbly, messy bars. Once cooled, use the parchment paper sling to lift the entire slab out and cut into 16 or 20 squares.

Nutritional Information

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars offer more than just a sweet treat. Based on 16 servings, each bar contains approximately 280-300 calories. The inclusion of rolled oats provides significant health benefits, offering soluble fiber (beta-glucan) which can aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. They are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, though they should be enjoyed in moderation due to the sugar content.

Storage

Store leftover Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 to 5 days. To maintain freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the bars; the bread absorbs excess moisture and keeps the bars soft. For longer storage, the bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, gooey texture.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. For a simple snack, pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you wish to experiment, try adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, or substitute half of the chocolate chips with dried cranberries for a festive twist. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your baking rotation, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.