Imagine the scent of brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted oats drifting through your kitchen—these Oatmeal Cookie Bars capture the coziness and comfort of classic oatmeal cookies in an easy-to-make, shareable bar form. Every bite is chewy, buttery, packed with hearty oats, and layered with gooey chocolate chips or raisins (your call!). Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping a week of treats, or just craving a nostalgic dessert, Oatmeal Cookie Bars are impossibly satisfying and a total crowd-pleaser.

Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Oatmeal Cookie Bars is beautifully simple, but every item serves a delicious purpose. The oats keep them chewy, brown sugar provides caramel notes, and the mix-ins let you personalize each batch!

Old-fashioned rolled oats: Use these for the best chewy texture; quick oats can make bars cakier.
All-purpose flour: Balances structure and softness, holding the bars together while keeping them tender.
Brown sugar: Gives rich flavor and a hint of molasses, making every bite incredibly comforting.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and that irresistible buttery taste we all crave in a cookie bar.
Egg: Binds the dough and ensures the bars have just enough lift—don’t skip it!
Baking soda: Helps the Oatmeal Cookie Bars rise just right for a soft center.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and amps up every other flavor in the batch.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out all the homey flavors.
Chocolate chips or raisins: Classic choices; go half-and-half or pick your favorite to upgrade texture and flavor.
Cinnamon (optional): For an aromatic, spiced background that screams comfort food.

How to Make Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper or a light layer of nonstick spray—this helps you lift the bars out easily for clean cutting later. It’s a tiny step that transforms the whole experience!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together soft butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps the bars bake up tender, with lots of caramel flavor in every piece.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. This enriches the dough and ensures the flavors are evenly distributed throughout your Oatmeal Cookie Bars.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Blending these first means no lumps and even rising in the oven!

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until almost combined, then add your chocolate chips or raisins. Stir just enough to distribute them for the perfect Oatmeal Cookie Bars bite every time.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spoon the dough into your prepared pan and press it evenly to the edges. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the top is golden and just set in the center—err on the side of slightly underbaking for extra chewiness!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the pan cool completely on a rack before slicing into bars. Lifting them out with the parchment paper makes for beautifully clean cuts and easy sharing.

How to Serve Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just after baking, or drizzle with melted chocolate. A dusting of powdered sugar or even a few extra chocolate chips gently pressed in just as they come out of the oven takes presentation to bakery levels.

Side Dishes

Pair these Oatmeal Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk for peak nostalgia, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a satisfying dessert. They’re also wonderful with a cup of coffee or chai for a cozy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bitesized squares for a party platter, or wrap individual bars in parchment as adorable lunchbox surprises. For special occasions, layer them into parfaits with ice cream and fruit, or package in pretty boxes as a heartfelt homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Oatmeal Cookie Bars soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days—or possibly less, since it’s hard to keep them around that long!

Freezing

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm up for a treat that tastes just-baked.

Reheating

If you like your Oatmeal Cookie Bars warm and gooey, microwave a single bar for 10–15 seconds, or heat a small tray in a low oven until just softened. The chocolate gets melty and the aroma becomes completely irresistible again.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats in a pinch, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats create the classic bite that makes Oatmeal Cookie Bars so satisfying.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before removing and slicing with a sharp knife. For ultra-clean edges, chill the bars first or wipe the blade between cuts.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and certified gluten-free oats. The results are still delicious, chewy, and family-friendly.

What mix-ins can I add besides chocolate chips or raisins?

Nuts (like walnuts or pecans), dried cranberries, or a swirl of peanut butter or caramel all make fantastic upgrades to your Oatmeal Cookie Bars. Let your creativity guide you!

Do Oatmeal Cookie Bars travel well?

They travel beautifully! Once cooled, just stack them with parchment or wax paper in a sturdy container. They make fantastic snacks for picnics, school lunches, or road trips.

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly comforting about a fresh batch of homemade Oatmeal Cookie Bars, with their chewy centers and customizable add-ins. Give this recipe a try and let it become the anchor for your own family gatherings and afternoons in need of a sweet pick-me-up—you might just find it’s your new favorite bake!

Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe