Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe – The Perfect Treat For Any Occasion

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars are one of my favorite dessert recipes, especially when I need to feed a crowd. The combination of flavors of two classic cookie recipes combined into one delicious dessert that is not only easy to make, but easy to serve.

Instead of scooping out individual mounds of cookie dough and having to bake several sheets of cookies, this recipe allows you to bake the entire dessert all at once. Then when it cools you cut them into bite size bars.

This dessert is not only delicious after a family meal, but it also makes plenty to serve at gatherings like parties and potlucks. Or how about making this for your annual bake sale or give it as an edible gift to a friend?

Why They’re Ideal for Parties and Potlucks

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars are an excellent choice for parties and potlucks for several reasons. First, their bar form makes them easy to transport and serve as a hand held dessert.

Unlike cakes or pies, which can be cumbersome to slice and serve, cookie bars can be pre-cut into uniform pieces and stacked in containers without crumbling. This makes them particularly convenient for potlucks, where table space is often at a premium.

The bars are also durable, making them an excellent choice for outdoor events or situations where refrigeration is not available. Unlike desserts with delicate frostings or fillings that can melt or spoil in warm temperatures, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars hold up well at room temperature, retaining their texture and flavor throughout the event.

Customize The Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Another advantage to this dessert is that you can customize them each time that you make them. The basic recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

For instance, you can add a variety of mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or coconut flakes to make them even more tasty. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even a combination of them.

For those with gluten dietary restrictions, the recipe can be gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend. You can also make them dairy-free by using plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. The options are endless!

What Type Of Oats To Use

One of the key ingredients in this oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars recipe is the old-fashioned oats. But why are these oats so important, and what makes them different from other types of oats?

Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, are made from oats that have been steamed and rolled flat. This process helps them cook faster while still preserving their texture and nutritional content.

The flakes are larger and thicker than quick oats or instant oats, resulting in a more substantial and chewy texture when baked. Therefore the choice of oats in a recipe can significantly affect the final product.

Old-fashioned oats are preferred in oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars because they maintain their structure during baking. They provide a hearty chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the chocolate chips.

Quick oats, on the other hand, are more fine and tend to disintegrate during baking, leading to a mushier texture. Steel-cut oats, which are even less processed than old-fashioned oats, remain too firm and would not soften adequately in the cookie bars, resulting in an unpleasantly gritty texture.

Therefore, for this recipe, it is important to use old-fashioned, rolled oats.

Freezing and Storing Cookie Bars for Later

One of the reasons that I love making oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars is that they can be stored in the freezer. This makes them a great option for those who like to plan ahead or keep a stash of homemade treats on hand for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.

However, I also make these in early Fall and store them in the freezer. Then when it is time to assemble my Christmas Cookie Trays they are ready to go! (See my favorite: Christmas Cookie Tray Recipes)

To freeze these bars, first, allow them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cut them into individual portions and place them on a wax paper lined plate or baking sheet.

It’s important to freeze them initially on a baking sheet in a single layer to prevent the pieces from sticking together. After they’re frozen solid, usually after an hour or two, you can transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.

To avoid freezer burn and to keep them at their peak of freshness wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in the container. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookie bars, thaw them at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.

If you prefer a warm, freshly-baked taste, you can reheat them in a microwave for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature until they’re warmed through. The bars will maintain their chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, making them just as delicious as the day they were baked.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl add the salt, baking soda, baking powder, flour and whisk to combine. Stir in the old fashioned oats. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time until well incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl and stir until combined. 

Stir in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Be sure to get the dough in the corners and to press the mixture firmly together. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove the pan from the oven and let the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars cool completely before cutting.

Enjoy! Mary

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