Description
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms. Perfectly soft and chewy with a hint of cinnamon, they make an excellent snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (125 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly (1 stick)
- 1 cup lightly packed Brown Sugar (200 grams)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla paste
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup Old Fashioned / Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the brown sugar until evenly combined and smooth. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla paste until blended well.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix as that can make the bars tough.
- Add Oats and Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and M&Ms until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Optionally, scatter any reserved chocolate chips or M&Ms on top for decoration.
- Bake: Bake for 24 to 28 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. For softer, moister bars ideal for serving the same day, bake for closer to 28 minutes. For slightly firmer bars, bake towards the lower range.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan until they can be removed easily. Once cooled, slice into 16 bars and serve.
- Storage: Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.
Notes
- You can use either light or dark brown sugar; both work well in this recipe.
- Feel free to substitute the M&Ms for other colorful candies or nuts according to your preference.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and chewy.
- Baking time affects texture; a longer bake yields firmer bars suitable for same-day serving, while a shorter bake keeps them softer for days.
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the egg.
