Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a delicious treat that combines chewy oats with melty chocolate and colorful M&Ms. Perfect for an easy dessert or a sweet snack, they offer a satisfying balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup All-Purpose 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) (200 grams)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Old Fashioned / Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup M&Ms

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until no dry spots remain. Avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms carefully.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Scatter any reserved mix-ins evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. For softer bars, bake closer to 24 minutes; for firmer bars, bake toward 28 minutes.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan until they can be removed easily. Slice into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use light or dark brown sugar for slight flavor variations; dark brown adds a richer molasses taste.
• Swap M&Ms for your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender and chewy.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.

Storage

Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend freshness slightly. Reheat gently in the microwave for a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While quick oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide a better chewy texture and structure to the bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain structure.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

Deliciously chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars combine the heartiness of old-fashioned oats with the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars are easy to bake in a single pan and deliver a comforting treat with a tender, moist texture that lasts for days.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (125 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly (1 stick)
• 1 cup lightly packed Brown Sugar (200 grams)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Add-ins

• 1 cup Old Fashioned / Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup M&Ms

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until they are evenly combined. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until there are no dry spots left. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the soft texture.
5. Add Oats and Mix-ins: Gently fold in the rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and M&Ms, reserving a few to scatter on top if desired.
6. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top and scattering any remaining mix-ins over the surface.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 24 to 28 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. For softer bars that stay moist longer, bake closer to 24 minutes; for firmer bars suitable for same-day serving, bake up to 28 minutes.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan until they can be easily removed. Then slice into squares and serve.
9. Storage: Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Using either light or dark brown sugar works; adjust for sweetness preference.
• The M&Ms add color and extra sweetness but can be omitted or substituted for other candies or nuts.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
• Baking time adjustment affects the softness and moisture content of the bars.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.

Keywords: Oatmeal bars, Chocolate chip bars, Baked oats, M&M bars, Easy dessert, Snack bars