If you’re forever torn between making cookies or bars, these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the hearty chew of old-fashioned oats, the golden crisp edges of a perfect bake, and the melty pockets of chocolate in every single bite. This recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level, giving you all the rich flavor and satisfying texture you crave, with the ease of simply spreading the dough in a pan. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply snacking, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and just as fun to make as they are to eat.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity meets stellar flavor in this line-up. Every ingredient in these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars is handpicked for a reason, working together to build that irresistible chewy, gooey bite with perfect sweetness and hearty character.

Unsalted butter: The creamy base that guarantees moist, rich bars; use softened butter for easier mixing.
Packed brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like flavor and extra chewiness to the finished bars.
Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and helps the bars brown beautifully as they bake.
Large eggs: These bind everything together and add just the right amount of structure.
Vanilla extract: Gives warmth and balances the earthy oats and chocolate.
All-purpose flour: Your structural hero, holding the bars together without being too dense.
Baking soda: Ensures a gentle lift so the bars don’t turn out flat.
Salt: Don’t skip it—it makes the chocolate pop and keeps the sweetness in check.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: The star of the show giving that signature hearty texture and nutty flavor.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty, gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite; semi-sweet is classic, but feel free to try dark or milk chocolate if you like.

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Set the stage before you do anything else! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy bar removal (and even easier cleanup). Having your pan ready up front will make the rest of the process a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating the bars’ irresistible tender crumb and subtle caramel flavor. Take your time—this is where big flavor begins!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help emulsify the batter, making sure every bite is deliciously moist, while the vanilla adds that classic home-baked aroma.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick extra step ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any uneven rising or salty surprises in your bars.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make your bars tough, so keep it gentle here—just enough to see all the flour disappear.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips

Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and hearty, packed with those chewy oats and melty bits of chocolate that make each bar a bit of magic.

Step 7: Press and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake—slightly underdone centers mean extra chewy bars!

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Patience pays off here, as cooling helps them set up to the perfect texture—plus, slicing is so much easier!

How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just after baking for a sophisticated finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a pretty touch (and even more flavor!) if you’re serving these at a party.

Side Dishes

Pair these cozy bars with a cold glass of milk, a steamy mug of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. They also shine next to fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad, which brings balance and a pop of color to your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars pyramid-style on a platter or tuck them into parchment-lined treat bags for adorable gifts. For a festive flair, cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters once they’re cooled, or use them as a dreamy crumble topping over yogurt and fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover bars chewy and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days—if they last that long! A piece of parchment between layers helps prevent any sticking.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Arrange sliced, cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready to brighten any lunchbox or last-minute gathering.

Reheating

To bring your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars back to warm, gooey perfection, pop individual bars in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. For larger batches, a few minutes in a low oven (about 300°F) will do the trick. Enjoy them as if they were just baked!

FAQs

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

Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats give the bars their signature chewy texture. Quick oats may make the bars a bit softer and less hearty, so for best results, stick with the classic.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as delicious and no one will guess the difference!

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for extra crunch and a burst of flavor. Just fold them in along with the oats and chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Why are my bars dry or crumbly?

This usually happens from overbaking or using too much flour. Check your bars a bit early, and always spoon and level your flour for accuracy. The bars should be just set in the center but not dry.

Are these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars good for mailing as gifts?

Yes! These bars travel well since they’re sturdy and keep their moisture. Pack them tightly in a container or wrap them individually for safe (and totally scrumptious) shipping to friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, nothing beats the comfort of homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars fresh from your oven. They’re the kind of treat that brings people together, whether you’re baking with kids, sharing them at a party, or secretly sneaking a square for yourself. If you haven’t tried them yet, this is your sign to grab those oats and bake up a batch—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are great for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix well.
Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips: Mix in oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Bake: Spread dough in the pan, bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Cool and Serve: Let bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For added texture, include 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American