Description
🍪 Create chewy, satisfying oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars that combine the wholesome goodness of oats with rich chocolate chips in every bite
🥛 Master these easy-to-make bars that deliver the perfect texture – soft and chewy centers with slightly crispy edges, making them ideal for snacks, desserts, or lunchbox treats
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats for hearty texture and fiber
– 1 cup all-purpose flour for base structure
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for rising
– 1/2 teaspoon salt for balancing sweetness
– 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter for richness
– 1 cup packed brown sugar for moisture
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar for crispness
– 1 large egg for binding
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for flavor
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for richness
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts for crunch and protein
Instructions
1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Line with parchment for easy removal if desired. This setup ensures even baking and clean cuts.
2-Second Step: Cream Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Mix until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes by hand or with a mixer. This step incorporates air for tenderness.
3-Third Step: Add Egg and Vanilla Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides to combine fully. The mixture should look creamy and light.
4-Fourth Step: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir this dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep texture soft.
5-Fifth Step: Fold in Add-Ins Gently fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped nuts if using. The dough will be thick and sticky, perfect for bars.
6-Sixth Step: Press into Pan Transfer dough to the prepared pan. Use damp hands or a spatula to press evenly to about 1/2-inch thick. Smooth the top for uniform baking.
7-Seventh Step: Bake Bake for 22-25 minutes. Edges turn golden brown, but center stays soft. Undercooking preserves chewiness; check at 22 minutes.
8-Final Step: Cool and Cut Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 2 hours. This sets the bars without drying. Lift out, cut into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature for best texture. Store as noted below.
Notes
🍪 Don’t overbake the bars – they should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven for the perfect chewy texture
🥛 Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of instant oats – they provide better texture and prevent the bars from becoming too dense
🍫 Press the dough firmly into the pan – this ensures even baking and prevents the edges from burning before the center is done
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: undefined
