Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with these Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars!
Perfectly soft and chewy, these bars combine the hearty goodness of oats with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate chips.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a snack to share, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Sweet, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying—these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate treat for any time of the day!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cook oats (old-fashioned oats can also be used)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Properly preheating is crucial to ensure even baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Make sure to cover the corners well, as these spots can cause sticking if missed.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, as uneven distribution can result in inconsistent flavor and texture. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. It’s important that the butter is at room temperature; too cold, and it won’t blend well, leading to a dense dough. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because under-creaming can result in bars that are too dense and heavy.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the eggs are too cold, they can cause the butter to seize up, resulting in a curdled mixture. Make sure they’re at room temperature to avoid this issue. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Be cautious not to overbeat, as this can incorporate too much air, leading to uneven baking.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined—overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dry bars. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. It’s okay if the dough looks a bit lumpy; that’s normal.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the oats and milk chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the oats and cause the bars to lose their chewy texture. Make sure the oats and chocolate chips are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Press the Dough into the Pan
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. The dough will be sticky, so you may need to lightly wet your hands or use a piece of parchment paper to help press it down evenly. Be sure to spread it out so that the edges aren’t too thin—this ensures even baking. Uneven dough can lead to underbaked or overbaked sections.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Baking time is critical—overbaking can dry out the bars, while underbaking can leave them gooey in the center. Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown, and insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out wet, give the bars a few more minutes, checking regularly.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cutting them too soon can cause them to crumble, so patience is key here. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles. For clean edges, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. Store in an airtight container to maintain their chewy texture and freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cook oats?
Yes, old-fashioned oats will work well in this recipe, giving the bars a slightly chewier texture.
2. Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can replace the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a mix of nuts and dried fruit.
3. How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them for extended freshness.
4. Can I freeze these oatmeal chocolate chip bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
