These bars bring together the nostalgic flavor of oatmeal cookies and the indulgent taste of chocolate chips in one convenient, portable dessert. They’re made with pantry staples, require minimal effort, and are ready in less than an hour. Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or holiday cookie trays, this recipe is a go-to for any occasion. Plus, they store well and are easy to freeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Old-fashioned rolled oats
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 bars. Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 25–30 minutes Total time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a rich, nutty twist.
Nutty Version: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
White Chocolate Swap: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
Dried Fruit Addition: Add raisins or dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Storage/Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 10 days. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These bars don’t need reheating but can be warmed in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
What kind of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture and chew. Quick oats may result in a denser bar.
Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?
Softened butter is ideal for creaming with the sugars and achieving a soft, cake-like texture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it may affect the texture and sweetness.
Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate chips will give the bars a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and clean it with a warm cloth between cuts for neat slices.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan or make two separate batches.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute up to ¼ cup of the flour with protein powder without affecting the texture too much.
Are these bars good for breakfast?
While they are more of a treat, the oats and optional nuts can make them a more wholesome indulgence.
Conclusion
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a classic favorite that combine the wholesome chew of oats with the irresistible taste of chocolate. They’re quick to whip up, easy to store, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for family snacking, school lunches, or bake sales, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are chewy, soft, and filled with rich chocolate chips and brown sugar flavor. They’re easy to make with pantry staples and perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or dessert tables.
Ingredients
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Add ½ cup peanut butter to the batter for a nutty variation.Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.Use certified gluten-free oats and flour blend for a gluten-free version.Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months when individually wrapped.
