The Best Oatmeal Cookie Bars
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie bar. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or to pack in your kids’ lunchboxes. With a delightful balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are not just easy to make—they’re absolutely addictive. Once you take a bite of these deliciously chewy oatmeal cookie bars, you’ll understand why they’re destined to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
These bars are a true crowd-pleaser! They’re incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of rich dark chocolate, fruity additions like raisins, or even nuts for a nice crunch, the possibilities are endless. Not only are they simple to whip up, but they also store well, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. One batch is sure to disappear quickly, so you may find yourself making them again and again!
Ingredient List
- 2 sticks (8 ounces, 1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 and 1/4 cups chopped dark chocolate OR your mix-in of choice (see post for ideas!)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, optional
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure your wet ingredients are well blended.
- Spatula: For folding in the oats and chocolate.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for baking these oatmeal cookie bars.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking pan for easy removal.
- Oven: Preheated to the perfect temperature for baking.
Step-by-Step: The Best Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re baked.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate
Gently fold in the rolled oats and your choice of chopped dark chocolate or other mix-ins. The dough will be thick and hearty.
Step 7: Spread the Dough
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula or your hands.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Don’t worry if there are a few crumbs!
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares or bars.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Reduce the sugars by 1/4 cup or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Add in nuts or seeds for an extra boost of nutrition.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake them; they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins such as dried fruit, nuts, or even peanut butter chips.
- Make sure your butter isn’t too hot when mixing with the sugars; otherwise, it could cook the eggs.
- These bars are great for meal prep; just store them in an airtight container!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
To store your oatmeal cookie bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold, they’re delicious either way!
Common Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats, rolled oats are recommended for the best texture. Quick oats may result in a softer, less chewy bar.
Can I substitute the chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use nuts, dried fruit, or even butterscotch chips. The choice is yours!
Why are my bars falling apart?
This could be due to overbaking or not allowing them to cool completely before slicing. Make sure to follow the baking time and cooling guidelines for best results.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Because You Liked This
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
- Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
- Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
- Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Final Thoughts
These The Best Oatmeal Cookie Bars are sure to become your new favorite treat. Their chewy texture, rich flavors, and endless customization options make them a joy to bake and share. From cozy afternoons at home to festive gatherings, these bars are the perfect addition to any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a batch of these delightful bars that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
The Best Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the rolled oats and your choice of chopped dark chocolate or other mix-ins.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula or your hands.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares or bars.
Notes
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake them; they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Experiment with different mix-ins such as dried fruit, nuts, or peanut butter chips.
- Ensure your butter isn’t too hot when mixing with the sugars to avoid cooking the eggs.
- These bars are great for meal prep; store them in an airtight container!
