What I love about this recipe is the balance of flavors. The oats add a wonderful texture and that homely, earthy flavor, while the combination of brown sugar and butter gives it a rich, caramel-like undertone. And let’s not forget about the chocolate – those melty pieces of heaven tucked into each bar. They make every bite a little celebration, and honestly, that’s what I’m all about when it comes to family meals: simple joy, shared love, and a sweet treat to top it all off.
This recipe also fits perfectly into busy days. It takes merely 15 minutes to prepare, so even on a whim, you can make these oatmeal chocolate delights without feeling overwhelmed. Weekends, after-dinner treats, potlucks – these bars fit right in any occasion. Moreover, they’re kid-friendly too, which means you’ll have the tiny hands raring to get involved in the mixing and maybe sneak a chocolate chip or two!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started in the kitchen, the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the sweet escape you need. With this guide, not only will you make a scrumptious batch, but you’ll create memories filled with laughter and sweetness. So why wait? Let’s dive into the recipe, and before you know it, you’ll be sharing these perfectly gooey delights with your loved ones, just like I do!
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick oats or rolled oats
- 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks
Directions:
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, followed by greasing the parchment for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
- Gently incorporate the baking soda and salt into the wet mixture. Then, fold in the flour and oats until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Be cautious not to overbake. The bars should be slightly underdone for that irresistible chewy texture.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into bars to enjoy. Perfect when paired with a cold glass of milk!
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. For a different flavor profile, try substituting half of the chocolate chips with butterscotch or peanut butter chips. You can also use rolled oats in place of quick oats for a chewier texture.
Serving Suggestions:
These cookie bars pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Consider serving with a warm caramel or chocolate drizzle over the top. Cold milk or a hot cup of coffee can complement the sweet, buttery richness of these bars perfectly.
Seasonal Variations:
During the fall, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to infuse warm flavors into the bars. In summer, add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a zesty contrast. Using seasonal ingredients can add a refreshing twist to this timeless recipe.
Cooking Tips:
To achieve perfectly chewy bars, make sure not to overmix the batter. Stir just until ingredients are combined. Also, for easier cutting, let the bars cool completely. You can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of sea salt on top as soon as they come out of the oven.
Storing Suggestion:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for extended freshness or frozen for up to three months. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature and warm them slightly before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine in this recipe. However, keep in mind that margarine might slightly alter the texture and flavor of your bars. Butter generally offers a richer taste and texture, so choose accordingly based on your preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend or almond flour. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any gluten contamination. The bars might vary slightly in texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
What can I do if I overbake the bars?
Don’t worry if the bars are overbaked and turn out a bit dry. You can drizzle them with honey or syrup, or serve them alongside your favorite ice cream to add some moisture back to them. Enjoy the extra crunch as a unique twist!
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still a bit soft. They continue to cook as they cool, so a slightly undercooked center ensures they remain chewy and delicious instead of hard and dry.
Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Yes, using dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of milk chocolate will offer a richer, less sweet flavor. It’s a fantastic option if you enjoy the deeper notes of dark chocolate, giving the bars a more sophisticated taste.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Certainly! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would make a great addition to this recipe, adding a pleasing crunch and nutty flavor. Just fold in about half a cup to one cup of your preferred nuts along with the chocolate chips.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick oats or rolled oats
- 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by either greasing it or using parchment paper with a light grease.
- In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated and brown sugars, egg, egg yolk, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Carefully fold in the all-purpose flour, oats, and chocolate chips until everything is combined evenly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, ensuring not to overcook; a slightly underbaked texture enhances the flavor. Serve warm with milk!
