These delicious oatmeal chocolate chip bars combine rolled oats, brown sugar and mini chocolate chips for an easy, chewy treat. Think of them as oatmeal chocolate chip cookies simplified into a bar: one bowl, one pan, and a quick bake. They’re perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or taking on the go.
If you love the flavor of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies but prefer a simpler method, this recipe is ideal. The ingredients are mixed in one bowl, pressed into a baking dish, and baked until set—no scooping individual cookies required.
You may also like flourless peanut butter, banana, oatmeal, chocolate-chip cookies for a different kid-friendly option.
If you have toddlers or preschoolers who enjoy baking, this is a great recipe to make together. These bars taste like a classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie in square form, which makes them a fun, non-traditional take on a familiar favorite.
Written for Happy Hooligans by Aileen Clark from Aileen Cooks.
This recipe is adapted from a peanut butter cup cookie bars recipe, swapping some flour for rolled oats to create a chewy oatmeal texture while keeping the easy bar format.
I appreciate this recipe because it’s both kid-friendly to make and to eat. Preparation takes only minutes, making it a great activity for young children to learn measuring, mixing, spreading, and even cracking eggs under supervision.
I made this batch with my youngest (18 months) while the older kids were at school. Including the littlest helper made the kitchen time special and kept things simple and fun.
Baking with Toddlers
My top tip for cooking with little kids is to be prepared for a mess—messes are part of learning. If you’re not comfortable with a big cleanup every time, choose days when you have extra time for baking together. In our home, weekend baking usually gets a “yes.”
If you want more ideas for involving children in the kitchen, look for posts and guides on cooking with kids for practical tips and age-appropriate tasks.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Printable recipe can be found at the bottom of this post
- 2/3 cup melted butter
- 1 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups mini chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A note on the brown sugar
The recipe calls for light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar works equally well. Don’t worry about swapping them—the flavor will still be rich and delicious.
Making your cookie bars
Start by mixing the melted butter with the brown sugar until it forms a smooth paste. The butter may separate at first; keep stirring until it combines.
Combine the rolled oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and chocolate chips in a large bowl. Once the butter-sugar mixture has cooled slightly (warm is fine), whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until the dough is no longer dry and ingredients are evenly distributed. Press the batter into a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread it evenly.
For a lower-mess approach with toddlers, prepare the wet ingredients in advance and give them the task of stirring or adding the dry ingredients. Little helpers often enjoy transferring the mixture into the pan.
Bake the bars uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting so they set properly.
We had a wonderful time baking these bars together, and the kids were excited to come home and enjoy them fresh from the pan.
Storing your cookie bars
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Keep them at room temperature for several days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
More great cookie recipes to make with kids:
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Big, Soft Ginger Cookies
Print Recipe
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup melted butter
- 1 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups mini chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until combined. The butter may separate at first—keep mixing until it forms a smooth paste. Let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and chocolate chips.
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Whisk eggs and vanilla into the cooled butter-sugar mixture.
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Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until no dry bits remain.
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Press the batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
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Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting.