Name: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 Cups Old-Fashioned Oats; 2 Cups All Purpose Flour; 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar; 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar; 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 Teaspoon Salt; 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1 Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted); 2 Eggs; 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 Cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips; Coarse Sea Salt (for sprinkling on top, optional)

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There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, chewy bar packed with hearty oats and melty chocolate chips, and that is exactly what you get with this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe. It’s a perfect treat that balances wholesome texture with sweet indulgence, making it a go-to snack for any time of day. Whether you’re craving a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a dessert that feels like a hug, these bars deliver irresistible flavor and simplicity all in one pan. The combination of cinnamon spice, a sprinkle of sea salt, and the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips makes every bite a moment to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with thick, chunky cookie dough mixed with visible dark chocolate chips and oats, showing a rough texture with uneven clumps. A light pink spatula is partially dipped into the dough on the right side, resting inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that looks smooth and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the oats providing that hearty chew to the melted butter giving richness and moistness.

Old-Fashioned Oats: The star of the show for chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
All Purpose Flour: Adds structure to hold the bars together perfectly.
Light Brown Sugar: Brings natural molasses notes for warmth and sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar with pure sweetness and helps with browning.
Baking Soda: Gives a subtle lift for lightness in the bars.
Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spicy layer that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Unsalted Butter (Melted): Provides richness and ensures the bars remain soft yet chewy.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together while keeping the bars tender.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses a sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate that create pure joy in every bite.

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper so you can easily lift out your bars once baked. This simple step ensures a clean release and perfect squares every time.

Step 2: Mix Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give everything a good stir so the spices and leavening get evenly distributed — this will make sure every bar has that perfect blend of flavor and lift.

Step 3: Add in the Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted butter, crack in the eggs, and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until every dry ingredient is moistened and forms a beautifully cohesive dough. This part is where the magic begins as the batter transforms into a luscious base for the bars.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. This ensures every bite gets that little surprise of melty chocolate that truly makes these bars irresistible.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop it into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes—or until the edges are lightly golden and the center feels firm but not dry. That perfect bake time locks in the chewy texture that makes this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe so special.

Step 6: Add a Finishing Touch and Cool

As soon as your bars come out of the oven, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top. This final touch enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness wonderfully. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time helps them set up beautifully, giving you clean, delicious squares.

How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

The image shows a batch of oat and chocolate chip bars placed on a sheet of parchment paper. The bars are cut into small square pieces, arranged closely in a grid pattern with some pieces slightly separated around the edges. The bars have a light golden brown color with visible oats scattered throughout and dark chocolate chips spread unevenly on the top surface. The texture looks slightly rough and crumbly, giving a homemade feel. The whole set rests on a white marbled surface with small white flowers placed around for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special presentation, dust a little powdered sugar over the bars or add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate your serving, turning a simple treat into a stunning dessert.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon break. For a heartier snack, pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which is pure comfort in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter for a party or gathering. You can also sandwich a layer of peanut butter or Nutella between two bars for a decadent twist that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and chewy for up to 4 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go treat throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delicious bars even longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a sweet snack.

Reheating

To enjoy your bars warm, gently microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and makes the chocolate chips ooze deliciously.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! Using whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though the texture might be slightly denser. It’s a wholesome swap that still works beautifully in this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe.

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

You can, but old-fashioned oats are preferred because they retain a better chew and texture. Quick oats will make the bars softer and less textured, so keep that in mind depending on your texture preference.

What if I don’t have semi sweet chocolate chips?

Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even mini chocolate chips. Each choice will slightly change the sweetness and richness but will still keep your bars delicious and chocolate-filled.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without wheat gluten.

Is it necessary to sprinkle sea salt on top?

While optional, this small sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds a wonderful contrast that enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness. It’s a simple step that makes these bars stand out.

Final Thoughts

This Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is a delightful fusion of comfort and indulgence that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, it’s a perfect treat to share with loved ones or savor solo with a cup of tea. Try it soon and enjoy the simple joy of homemade goodness in every chewy, chocolatey bite.