If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly chewy, delightfully robust treat, Oatmeal Cookie Bars are about to win over your kitchen (and your heart). These bars combine the nostalgic flavor of your favorite classic oatmeal cookies with the ease of a one-pan dessert, offering a buttery, golden base studded with chocolate chips and a whisper of what might be the coziest dessert scent in existence. They’re incredibly versatile, crowd-pleasing, and unfussy—truly the sort of sweet you’ll dream about sharing with friends or sneaking as a midnight snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Oatmeal Cookie Bars keep things refreshingly simple: every ingredient serves a purpose, from bringing rich flavor and tender chew to delivering comfort-filled aromas. Think of this lineup as your must-have toolkit for cookie bar perfection, ready to be adapted to your own cravings and pantry discoveries!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Brings luxurious richness and helps keep the bars wonderfully soft and chewy.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Delivers deep molasses notes and adds extra moisture for that classic chewy bite.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and works with the brown sugar to achieve a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind everything together, adding lift and creating a luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances every other flavor and gives that irresistible homemade cookie aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Lays the foundation for sturdy yet soft cookie bars.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Gives a gentle lift, preventing the bars from getting overly dense.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and accentuates all the best flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Provide hearty texture and that signature oatmeal flavor we all adore.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): Sprinkle magic into every bite—swap for white chocolate, raisins, or cranberries if you’d like!
- Chopped nuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add a satisfying crunch and a hint of toasty flavor—pecans or walnuts shine here.
How to Make Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper (a favorite hack for easy bar removal). This quick setup ensures your Oatmeal Cookie Bars will come out cleanly, ready for slicing and sharing.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat this trio together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this is the secret to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth bar. Your kitchen should already smell divine at this point!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, beat in your eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract, blending it until everything is silky and gorgeous. This step elevates the classic cookie dough, turning it into something special for bars.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a second bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This guarantees that your leavening is evenly distributed, so your Oatmeal Cookie Bars bake up perfectly each time. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 5: Stir in Oats, Chips, and Nuts
Fold in your rolled oats—the star ingredient that brings chew and heartiness to every bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in chocolate chips or chopped nuts now. Go ahead and swap for dried fruit, if you like; the base recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different mix-ins.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are just fine and will keep the bars extra chewy).
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Patience is key! Let your Oatmeal Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan—this helps them set up and slice cleanly. Once cooled, lift them out (if you used parchment), and cut into your preferred bar size. Now, try to resist eating them all at once!
How to Serve Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Garnishes
You can dress up Oatmeal Cookie Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate for some extra flair. If you’re serving these for a party, a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can take them utterly over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate, or enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk for a cozy snack. They also work beautifully on cookie platters when you want a little variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your Oatmeal Cookie Bars artfully on a rustic wooden board or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for a homemade gift vibe. For parties, cut them into bite-size squares and serve on colorful platters—these bars love to be shown off!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate them for extra longevity though this may slightly firm up their texture.
Freezing
Oatmeal Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a quick treat.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey cookie bar, simply microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds before serving. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven taste. They’re just as tempting at room temperature, but a quick zap works magic, especially in colder months.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be slightly softer and less hearty. Old-fashioned oats create chunkier, chewier Oatmeal Cookie Bars, while quick oats yield a more tender, cake-like result.
Do Oatmeal Cookie Bars work without chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! The base recipe is delicious enough to stand on its own—feel free to skip the mix-ins entirely or try adding raisins, dried cranberries, or even butterscotch chips for a new twist.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The edges should be a light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near the center will come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Avoid overbaking to keep the bars perfectly chewy.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The texture will be slightly different, but still wonderful.
What’s the best way to cut Oatmeal Cookie Bars cleanly?
Wait for them to cool completely before slicing—this ensures neat edges. For extra precision, use a large, sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly satisfying about pulling a pan of Oatmeal Cookie Bars from the oven, knowing you’re moments away from a treat that’s equal parts homey and crave-worthy. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s easy, adaptable, and beloved by all ages, these bars have got your back. Give them a try—you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the chewiness of oatmeal cookies with the convenience of a bar. Loaded with oats, chocolate chips, and nuts, these bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add oats and extras: Stir in the oats, and fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and slice: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- You can substitute raisins, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for the chocolate chips.
- For softer bars, slightly underbake them and cool completely before cutting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
