Description
Chewy, delicious chocolate oatmeal bars packed with oats, chocolate chips, and optional nuts. A perfect treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Nuts: Gently fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruit.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warmer flavor.
- Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Frost the cooled bars with chocolate or cream cheese frosting for an extra treat.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Butter should be softened, not melted.
- Do not overmix the dough.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes