Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Yield: 15-48 bars, depending on size of bars (see recipe for suggestions).
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Tips: 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped nuts and/or mini marshamallows may also be added if desired. Whole wheat flour may be substituted for all-purpose flour.
These Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are chewy and delicious and can be whipped up in minutes. These cookie bars have a texture and flavor similar to chocolate
chip oatmeal cookies, in that they are made with oats and chocolate chips, but are much easier to make because as with most cookie bar recipes, the entire batter is baked in a baking pan and simply cut into squares, which is always easier than scooping up one ball of cookie dough at a time. These bars can be made with all-purpose or whole wheat flour (whole wheat flour tends to make them a little chewier and healthier as well). If you like, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts (such as macadamia, peanuts, walnuts or any other nuts you prefer) and/or mini marshmallows for added flavor and flair. Depending on your personal preference, these bars may be cut into any various sizes (see recipe for suggestions). The above photo shows Chocolate Oatmeal Bars cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose (or whole wheat) flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (regular size or mini)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° F.
In an electric mixing bowl, beat butter and sugars until well-blended. Add egg whites and vanilla and beat until smooth, scraping sides and bottom of bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture and mix until well-blended, scraping sides and bottom of bowl again to incorporate all ingredients.
Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Transfer dough to pan and gently and evenly press dough into pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over top, then press into dough. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until top and edges begin to turn light golden brown in color. Allow to cool, then cut into desired bar sizes. (Makes 15 2 1/2-inch squares, 24 2-inch squares or 48 1x2-inch rectangular bars.)
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