Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 20, 2025

Featured in: Snacks

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars bring the comforting, chewy texture of oatmeal cookies into an easy-to-cut bar form perfect for snacking or lunchboxes. Each bite delivers soft oats, melty chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms that brighten up every mouthful.

This versatile treat allows you to switch up mix-ins, making it a customizable favorite for all ages and occasions. Whether you savor them warm or at room temperature, these bars offer a nostalgic, homemade taste with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, chewy bars with wholesome oats provide a cozy, satisfying texture.
Mix-ins like chocolate chips and M&Ms add bursts of rich sweetness and fun colors.
Easy to customize with nuts or butterscotch chips to suit personal tastes.
Simple preparation requiring basic pantry staples and minimal equipment.

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125 grams) of flour provides structure and lightness for the bars to hold their shape without heaviness.
Baking Powder: 1/4 teaspoon helps the bars rise slightly, ensuring a tender crumb rather than dense texture.
Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the oats and chocolate beautifully.
Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
Unsalted Butter: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) melted and cooled gives rich moisture and helps bind ingredients for soft bars.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup lightly packed adds natural molasses notes and chewiness to the texture.
Large Egg: 1 egg brings structure and moisture, binding all ingredients together in the batter.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon infuses warmth and enhances the sweet flavors throughout the bars.
Old Fashioned or Rolled Oats: 1 cup adds wholesome texture and nutty flavor, making these bars hearty yet soft.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup provides rich pockets of chocolate that melt in every bite.
M&Ms: 1/2 cup colorful candy-coated chocolates add a fun crunch and vibrant look.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Using parchment ensures easy removal of the bars once cooled.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices, making sure the bars bake uniformly with consistent flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Then, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture turns glossy and uniform. This creates a rich, flavorful base for the oatmeal bars.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Pour the dry ingredient mixture over the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender rather than tough.
Add Oats and Mix-ins: Fold in the old fashioned oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms carefully so they are evenly distributed without breaking the candy coatings. Reserving a few chips or M&Ms to scatter on top gives a pretty finish.
Transfer and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Scatter any reserved chocolate chips or M&Ms on top. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. Baking closer to 24 minutes yields softer bars that stay moist for days, while longer baking produces firmer bars.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan until they can be easily lifted out using the parchment edges. Once cool, slice into 16 bars. Cooling helps the bars set properly, preventing crumbling when cut.

You Must Know

You can swap chocolate chips and M&Ms for butterscotch chips, nuts, or chunks but keep total mix-ins to 1 1/2 cups for best texture.
Baking in glass or ceramic pans requires approximately 5 extra minutes of baking due to slower heat conduction.
Storage at room temperature is good for up to 3 days, ensuring the bars stay moist and soft.

Storage Tips

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these bars as a quick breakfast on the go or a delicious afternoon snack paired with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage. They also make a delightful treat packed in kids’ lunchboxes.

Professional Tips

Use old fashioned oats for best chewy texture; quick oats make the bars denser and less chewy.
Let the butter cool slightly before mixing to prevent scrambling the egg.
Savor the bars slightly warm for melty chocolate, or completely cooled for easier slicing.
Adjust the cinnamon amount based on your spice preference for subtle warmth or a more pronounced flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute rolled oats with instant oats?: Instant oats will work but will create a denser, less chewy bar as they absorb liquid differently than rolled oats.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?: Yes, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a safe gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.
How should I store leftover bars?: Keep bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I double the recipe?: Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans, adjusting baking time accordingly.
What is the best way to get clean bar slices?: Use a sharp knife and slice when bars are completely cooled. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
Are these bars suitable for lunchboxes?: Absolutely! They travel well and make a delicious, energy-boosting snack perfect for school or work lunches.