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chocolate chip oatmeal cookie bars
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4.23 from 191 votes

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip oatmeal cookie bars are like a super soft oatmeal cookie in bar form. Change up the mix-ins, using chocolate chips and M&Ms as shown, or trying them with butterscotch chips or toasted chopped nuts.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time24 minutes
Total Time44 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: chocolate chip, cookie bars, easy snack
Servings: 16 bars
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $3.00

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • 8x8 baking pan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (1 cup flour = 125 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly (1 stick)
  • 1 cup lightly packed Brown Sugar (light or dark will work) (1 cup sugar = 200 grams)
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Old Fashioned / Rolled Oats
  • 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (see note)
  • 1/2 cup M&Ms (see note)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Line an 8x8 metal baking pan with parchment paper and / or spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until evenly combined. Whisk in egg and vanilla.
  • Pour dry ingredients over wet and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry spots remain (do not overmix.)
  • Gently stir in oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan, scattering any reserved mix-ins over top.
  • Bake 24 to 28 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. (Note: If cooked on the lower end of the bake time, these will be very soft and will stay moist for a couple of days. If you plan to serve them the same day as they were baked, bake at the higher end of the recommended cook time.)
  • Let cool in the pan until the bars can be easily removed. Once cool, slice and serve.
  • The bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Chocolate Chips and M&Ms - You can use both or just one of these. Reserve a few extra to scatter on the top if you’d like. If you’d like different fillings try butterscotch chips, chocolate chunks, or toasted pecans / walnuts. Just be sure the total amount of mix-ins add up to 1 1/2 cups. 
Glass or Ceramic Baking Pan - If using a glass or ceramic baking pan, the bars will take longer to bake. Expect to add about 5 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 212IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg