Oatmeal Cookie Bars
There’s something incredibly comforting about oatmeal cookie bars. They combine the chewy goodness of oatmeal cookies with the ease of a bar, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up for a gathering or a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these oatmeal cookie bars are sure to hit the spot. With a rich buttery flavor, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the indulgence of chocolate chips, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why Oatmeal Cookie Bars is Worth Your Time
Oatmeal cookie bars are not just any dessert; they are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them irresistible. The chewy oats provide a satisfying bite, while the chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness that elevates the entire experience. Plus, with the simplicity of a bar format, you can bake, cut, and serve in no time. Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends, these bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.
The Ingredient Lineup
Creating these oatmeal cookie bars requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup butter (227g), room temperature – This provides richness and flavor.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (220g), packed – For that deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g) – A little extra sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 2 large eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Works with the baking soda for perfect texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (188g) – The base for our bars.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (170g) – Provides chewiness and heartiness.
- 2 cups chocolate chips (340g) – Choose semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a mix for variety!
Must-Have Equipment
Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – To beat your eggs and mix the batter smoothly.
- Baking pan (9×13 inch) – Perfect size for the bars.
- Spatula – For spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
- Parchment paper (optional) – Makes for easy removal and cleanup.
Oatmeal Cookie Bars: How It’s Done
Ready to bake? Let’s get started with these simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oatmeal cookie bars will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. If you don’t have parchment paper, a light greasing will work just fine.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Stir in the Oats and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Spread the Batter in the Pan
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or bars.
If You’re Out Of…
Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient! Here are some substitutions that work well:
- Butter: Use coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: You can substitute with coconut sugar or even make your own by mixing granulated sugar with molasses.
- Rolled Oats: Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may alter the texture slightly.
- Chocolate Chips: Swap in dried fruit or nuts for a healthier twist.
Steer Clear of These
While baking can be forgiving, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined.
- Using cold butter can result in a dense, greasy texture. Room temperature is key.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly can throw off the balance of flavors and texture.
- Skipping the cooling step can result in crumbly bars that fall apart.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your oatmeal cookie bars fresh and delicious:
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Reader Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that they will give a slightly different texture. Rolled oats provide a chewiness that quick oats lack.
How do I know when my oatmeal cookie bars are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a center that’s set but not overly dry. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be a wonderful addition for extra crunch and flavor.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Once completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars. You can also warm the knife slightly by running it under hot water, which helps to make cleaner cuts.
Make It Tonight
Now that you have the full breakdown of how to create these scrumptious oatmeal cookie bars, it’s time to get baking! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch that will surely become a favorite in your home. Whether served warm out of the oven or enjoyed days later, these bars are bound to impress. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin! Enjoy every bite of your delicious homemade oatmeal cookie bars.
Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Step 3: Beat the butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, then gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Step 6: Fold in the oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Step 7: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 9: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
