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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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