If you’re craving something rich, chewy, and packed with flavor, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are about to become your new obsession. With a delightful contrast of hearty oats, melty chocolate, and bursts of colorful M&Ms, these bars deliver pure homemade comfort in every bite. Perfect for a quick treat, an after-school snack, or even a last-minute bake sale, this simple recipe gives you all the joy of classic cookies—without the hassle of scooping dough. Grab your pantry staples, and let’s bake a batch of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars together!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These easy-to-find ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each plays a unique role in the irresistible taste, chewy texture, or signature look of these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars—don’t skip the details, because every bit counts!

All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the bars relies on this baking staple, so be sure to measure it accurately for the best texture.
Baking Powder: Just the right lift for tender, not-too-dense bars.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and earthy sweetness that ties the flavors together perfectly.
Kosher Salt: A pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the chocolatey richness.
Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled: Melted butter infuses the bars with moisture and an irresistible richness—don’t rush the cooling step!
Brown Sugar: Use light or dark, both will give your bars that chewy, caramelly sweetness that makes these absolutely addictive.
Egg: Helps bind the bars and adds just the right amount of richness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon rounds out the flavors and gives a homey aroma.
Old Fashioned / Rolled Oats: Brings the signature chewy bite that separates these from your average cookie bar.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Deep, melty chocolate pockets that contrast the oats perfectly—feel free to use your favorite brand.
M&Ms: For pops of color, crunch, and extra chocolatey goodness (plus they look so fun swirled through every slice!)

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting, or simply give it a generous coating of nonstick spray—it’s up to you, but a lined pan makes cleanup a cinch. Getting your pan ready before you dive into the batter means your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars slide out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This little extra step helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly, guaranteeing every bite is full of balanced flavor and soft, chewy texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This step is where your bars get their signature chewy edges. Next, whisk in the egg and vanilla—these bring moisture and that classic cookie aroma.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients over your wet, and switch to a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so mix only until you no longer see dry flour. The batter will be thick and smell heavenly already!

Step 5: Add the Oats and Sweet Mix-Ins

Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. The oats give your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars their satisfying bite, while those chocolate chips and M&Ms create bursts of gooey chocolate and bright colors you can spot in every bar.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it evenly into the corners. Scatter a few extra chocolate chips or M&Ms on top if you like! Bake for 24 to 28 minutes. For softer bars (that’ll stay moist for days), lean toward the shorter bake time. For classic, easy-to-slice treats, aim for the higher end. When the edges are golden and the center is set, you’re in business.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan so they’re easy to remove without crumbling. Once they’re cool to the touch, lift them out by the parchment (if using), transfer to a cutting board, and slice into squares or bars. There’s no shame in sneaking a warm one—they’re simply irresistible!

How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a scatter of extra M&Ms for a bakery-style finish. If you want to get fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm bar is truly next-level.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and classic with a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee—these bars love both! For a dessert platter feel, add fresh berries or sliced fruit on the side to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, cut your bars into small bite-sized squares, and pile them high on a colorful platter. Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with string for a sweet, homemade gift. You can even layer them into parfait glasses with whipped cream for a surprising dessert twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars keep beautifully at room temperature for up to three days. Just store them in an airtight container so they stay soft and chewy. If your kitchen runs warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the chocolate from getting too melty.

Freezing

Need your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars to last longer? Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. They’re perfect for impromptu cravings—just thaw at room temp or pop in the microwave for a quick treat.

Reheating

To enjoy that “fresh-from-the-oven” experience, warm your bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back the gooey chocolate and soft centers that make these bars so heavenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute quick oats for rolled oats?

Yes, in a pinch you can use quick oats, but rolled oats really give Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars their signature chewy texture and hearty bite.

What if I don’t have M&Ms?

No M&Ms? Not a problem! Swap in extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for a different twist—these bars are super forgiving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double everything and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time, so keep a close eye on those edges for doneness.

Are these bars gluten free?

As written, no. But you can try swapping a cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend and making sure your oats are certified gluten free to adapt this recipe for gluten free diets.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden and the center set but not dry. If you gently press the center, it should feel soft but not jiggly—a toothpick with a few moist crumbs is another good sign.

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert, these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are guaranteed to delight. Baking them is almost as fun as eating them, and I promise they’ll be a hit with everyone lucky enough to share a bite. So why not whip up a batch tonight? You just might find your new favorite go-to treat!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip bars that are perfect for a sweet treat or snack.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F / 177°C. Line an 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
Prepare dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
Mix wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Stir dry mixture into wet mixture until just combined.
Add oats and chips: Gently fold in oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 24-28 minutes until edges are browned.
Cool and serve: Cool in pan, then slice and serve.
Storage: Store bars at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

For a variation, try adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
These bars can also be frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: oatmeal chocolate chip bars, dessert recipe, easy snack bars