Description
Chewy oatmeal cookie bars with chocolate chips, nuts, and optional raisins. Easy 9×13 inch pan recipe, great for sharing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, your preference!)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Oats, Chocolate Chips, Nuts, and Raisins: Stir in oats, chocolate chips, walnuts (or pecans), and raisins (if using).
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Cut and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best results.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Customize with different chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
- For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves.
- Try almond or maple extract instead of vanilla.
- Reduce sugar and add flaxseed meal or applesauce for a healthier version.
- Add a cream cheese frosting or glaze for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes