Description
Delicious and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip bars that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all purpose flour, sifted
- 11/2 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
- 11/2 teaspoon (2g) cinnamon
- 14 tablespoons (198g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 11/2 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 3 cups (240g) quick cook oats
- 1 cup (170g) milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients Together: Start by mixing your oats, chocolate chips, and any other goodies in a bowl. You will recognize when it is ready as the chocolate chips start to break a bit and the mixture feels slightly sticky. This step is all about getting that perfect texture, so make sure everything is even; clumps of chocolate will burn!
- Spread into Pan: Next, spread the mixture into your baking pan, using a spatula to get it nice and even. You will want to press down firmly until it is compact; the more you press, the chewier they will be. Just remember, if you skip this step, the bars might crumble apart when you cut them later.
- Bake Until Golden: Pop your pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F until it is just golden on top. The kitchen will start smelling amazing as they cook! If you pull them out too soon, you might end up with raw, gooey centers—definitely not what you want.
- Cool Down Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up nicely, making it easier to cut them into perfect squares. Resist the urge to slice them warm; they will fall apart if you do!
- Cut Into Bars: Once they are completely cool, grab a sharp knife and cut into squares. You will get a nice clean cut when they are chilled, making each piece look tempting on a plate. If you rush this and try to cut them while they are still warm, you could end up with a messy heap instead of tidy bars!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. You can also freeze these bars for up to three months; just make sure to wrap them securely.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature.
- Use room temperature eggs by placing them in lukewarm water for a few minutes.
- Scoop flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid over-measuring.
- Check baking soda freshness by adding it to vinegar to see if it bubbles.
- If bars seem too dry, ensure your butter is at room temperature and measure flour accurately for a better texture.
- When cutting the bars, allow them to cool completely to get clean and even edges.
- If you notice burnt edges, consider checking your oven temperature and adjust your baking time for more even results.
- If desired, reheat bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pair with a glass of cold milk. You can also top with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for added flair.
- Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist.
- When selecting chocolate chips, look for high-quality brands for the best flavor. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips as a substitution for milk chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 103mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 31mg