Name: Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, melted); 1 large egg; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups old-fashioned whole-rolled oats (not quick cook or instant); 1 cup all-purpose flour; pinch salt (optional and to taste); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for batter); ½ of one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (just eyeball it); about 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for sprinkling)

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There’s nothing quite like a batch of warm Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to sweep you off your feet! I remember the first time I baked these bars; the aroma of melting chocolate and baked oats filled my kitchen, drawing my family in from every corner of the house. Dessert had always been a special time for us, but these bars took it to a whole new level. They’re packed with rich flavors that satisfy every sweet tooth and are perfect for those cozy evenings spent together. I love that they’re not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making them the perfect treat for any day of the week. Whether you’re sharing them with friends during a gathering or indulging alone with a cup of coffee, these bars bring comfort and happiness in every bite. Trust me, once you try my recipe, you’ll be craving them again and again!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon

What We Adore About This Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Rich Flavor

One of the standout features of Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is their rich flavor profile. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips creates a decadent sweetness that’s hard to resist. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful mix of chewy and fudgy textures that you won’t forget.

Easy to Make

These bars are incredibly easy to make, which is one of the reasons I love them so much. With just a few simple steps, you have a delicious dessert ready to go. You can even have the kids help out; they’ll love mixing the ingredients and, of course, sneaking a taste along the way!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or just a regular Tuesday, these Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are versatile enough for any occasion. They transport well, making them great for sharing. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Customizable

Another reason to love these bars is that they’re endlessly customizable. Want to add some nuts? Go for it! Prefer a mix of chocolate chips? You can do that too. Each batch can be different, ensuring that you never get bored.

Store Well

These bars store remarkably well. If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt!), you can keep them airtight at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness even longer.

Ingredients to Make Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

The ingredients in Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come together to create an indulgent treat that’s both hearty and satisfying. Each component adds something unique, enhancing the overall flavor and texture. The butter provides richness, while oats contribute a chewy texture, making these bars not just sweet but also fulfilling.

½ cup unsalted butter, 1 stick, melted – Essential for adding richness and moisture to the bars.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together, ensuring a chewy texture.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth and depth.
1 ½ cups old-fashioned whole-rolled oats, not quick cook or instant – Provides a hearty chew and fiber to the bars.
1 cup all-purpose flour – Helps create the structure of the bars.
pinch salt, optional and to taste – Balances the sweetness, enhancing all flavors.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for batter – Brings rich chocolate flavor into each bite.
½ of one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, just eyeball it – Adds a creamy texture and sweetness to the chocolate layer.
about 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for sprinkling – Melts slightly over the top, creating a beautiful finish.

How to Assemble Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Making Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from gathering your ingredients to enjoying a warm, gooey bar. Let’s get started on these delicious treats!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it heats, line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. This ensures easy removal later and keeps your bars from sticking.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter—this usually takes about 1 minute on high power. Pull it out and let it sit for a moment to cool slightly.
Now, it’s time to add the egg. Make sure to wait a moment before doing this to prevent scrambling. Whisk together the egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Next, gently fold in the oats and flour. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough bars.
Turn about three-quarters of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it down with a spatula. This will form a delicious crust for your bars. Set the remaining batter aside for later.
In another medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Heat on high power until the chips melt—this usually takes around 45 to 60 seconds. Stir until you achieve a smooth, creamy chocolate mixture.
Evenly pour the chocolate mixture over the crust, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Work quickly here, as the mixture will start to set after a couple of minutes.
Now, take the remaining batter and crumble it over the chocolate layer. I recommend making heaping tablespoon-sized blobs and then smoothing them together with a spatula. Don’t worry if the surface isn’t completely covered; this adds to the charm!
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You want the top to be set but still pale in color for soft bars. If it turns golden, they’ll be crunchier than desired.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top. They will melt slightly, creating a deliciously gooey finish. Be careful not to jostle the pan too much during this step.
Let the pan sit aside to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. This waiting period is essential for the bars to set properly.

Things Worth Knowing

Baking Time Matters: Make sure to keep an eye on the bars as they bake. If you overbake them, they will lose that fudgy texture. Trust your instincts—the smell is often a good guide!
Cooling is Key: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing is crucial. If you rush this step, they may crumble when you cut them.
Mixing Technique: When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the tender, chewy texture we’re after.
Ingredient Quality Counts: Using high-quality chocolate chips can significantly enhance the flavor of your bars, so don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.

Helpful Hints

As you prepare to make your batch of Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, here are some tips to ensure your experience is smooth and your bars are delicious!

Storage: Keep any leftover bars airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 6 months. Just wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Serving Temperature: I recommend serving these bars warm or at room temperature. A slight warm-up in the microwave can enhance the chocolate’s gooeyness.
Pairing Ideas: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for a delightful dessert experience.
Variations: Get creative! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter swirls for a unique twist.

What Complements This Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There are countless ways to enjoy your Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

With Ice Cream: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream will blend beautifully with the warm chocolate.
As a Snack: These bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking. Whether you’re heading to work or school, pack these bars for a delicious treat.
Great for Gatherings: Bring these to your next potluck or family gathering. They’re always a hit and can be cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing!
Coffee Pairing: I love enjoying these bars with a cup of coffee. The combination of chocolate and coffee is simply divine!
Seasonal Variations: Consider adding seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during the colder months for a cozy twist!

FAQ

I recommend sticking with old-fashioned whole-rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can alter the consistency of the Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, making them more mushy than chewy. If you only have quick oats, you can still use them, but be prepared for a different texture!

The combination of melted chocolate chips and butter creates a fudgy texture. When baked, they retain moisture and remain soft, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk used in the chocolate layer. This decadent mixture ensures that every bite is rich and satisfying!

To keep your Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 6 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate. You can also mix in nuts, dried fruit, or even swirl in some peanut butter for a unique flavor twist. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

These Fudgy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly special, marrying rich chocolate with hearty oats for an irresistible treat. I can’t urge you enough to try this recipe; it’s easy, fun, and the results are simply delicious. Once you bake a batch, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite!