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Chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

These chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars are SO easy to toss together, and I totally found my new favorite quick dessert for a crowd, get-together, pot luck, or last-minute school function. 

Chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

These chewy chocolate oatmeal bars are everything you want in a quick, throw-together dessert. Gooey chocolate, soft-baked cookie texture, and that deep molasses flavor from dark brown sugar. They're easy to make and even easier to eat, with a hint of cinnamon that gives them something extra without overpowering the chocolate.

This recipe is perfect for bake sales, lunchboxes, potlucks, or just a treat-yourself moment after dinner. You don’t need a mixer or anything fancy, either, just a bowl, a spoon, and a craving for something sweet.

There’s no chilling required and they’re pretty forgiving, so this is a solid pick for beginner bakers or those short on time.

Why You’ll Love This Dish#

  • Ultra-Chewy Texture – Thanks to whole oats and the perfect bake time.
  • Easy to Make – One bowl, no mixer, and minimal prep.
  • Deep Flavor – Browned butter and dark brown sugar add rich, toasty notes.
  • Chocolate Overload – Two types of chips for maximum flavor and melt.
  • Great for Sharing – Feeds a crowd and travels well.
Browned Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Recipe Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Oatmeal (Not Quick Cooking) – Adds chew and structure; regular rolled oats hold up best in baking.
  • All-Purpose Flour – Provides a soft, sturdy base for the bars. No need for fancy blends here.
  • Dark Brown Sugar – Offers deeper flavor and extra moisture from the molasses.
  • Baking Soda – Gives a little lift and helps with browning.
  • Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate.
  • Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Eggs + Extra Yolk – Binds the dough and adds richness. The yolk boosts chewiness.
  • Browned Butter (Cooled) – Intensifies the flavor with a nutty edge. Don’t skip the cooling step!
  • Milk Chocolate Chips – Sweet and creamy, perfect for contrast.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds balance and classic chocolate flavor.
  • Cinnamon – Just a hint to warm everything up without taking over.
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Browned Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

How To Make This Recipe

This is just the overview so you can see what you're actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you'll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

  1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  2. Mix Wet and Dry – In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Add Chocolate – Fold in both kinds of chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  4. Spread and Bake – Press into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  5. Cool and Slice – Let cool before slicing to get the cleanest edges and gooey centers.
Browned Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Recipe FAQ

How Should I Store These Bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days. For longer storage, they freeze well for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly and thaw at room temp.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yep! These are great for baking the night before. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld and the texture settles.

Can I Use Quick Oats?

Stick with regular rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will make the bars denser and a bit more crumbly.

Can I Change the Chocolate?

Definitely. Go all milk, all semi-sweet, or try dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. You can even add a few chopped nuts or a swirl of peanut butter.

Browned Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

More Cookies & Cake Recipes

Yield: 12 bars

Chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

These chocolate oatmeal cookie bars are easy to throw together, packed with chocolate chips, and just a hint of cinnamon.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups oatmeal (NOT quick cooking)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 whole eggs + 1 egg yolk
  • 1 1/4 cups browned butter, cooled
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Mix all ingredients together except the chocolate chips until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
  3. Spread into a 9x13 pan that's been lightly sprayed with baking spray.
  4. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs on it. They'll look a little under from what you are used to!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 713Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 21gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 510mgCarbohydrates: 94gFiber: 4gSugar: 53gProtein: 9g

Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!

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myriam

Tuesday 26th of September 2017

can i replace chocolate chps with chocolate??

Nicole Johnson

Saturday 30th of September 2017

You should be able to, no problem!

Super Chocolate Hot Fudge Brownie Cake » Or Whatever You Do

Tuesday 16th of February 2016

[…] CHEWY CHOCOLATE OATMEAL BARS […]

Marly

Friday 2nd of October 2015

Hey Nicole - thanks for the Chopped Podcast shoutout. And I have to say - those photos are pretty amazing! I love the playful nature of them. Pinned!

And, one more thing, I'm in the Karly fan club too. Go Karly! :)

Nicole Johnson

Thursday 8th of October 2015

My pleasure! Love the show! The bars were pretty amazing too. We should get Team Karly shirts or buttons or something - because she rules.

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