Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars

These chewy, sweet bars combine oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for a delightful treat that's easy to make and perfect for sharing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the dough

1 cup Peanut butter Creamy is easiest to mix. Natural peanut butter works but must be stirred well.
1/2 cup Butter Use salted butter and reduce added salt slightly.
1 cup Brown sugar Provides chewiness and a caramel-like flavor.
2 large Eggs Bind the batter and provide structure.
2 tsps Vanilla extract Small ingredient with a big difference.
1 cup All purpose flour Helps hold everything together.
1 tsps Baking soda Adds lift to the bars.
1/2 tsps Salt Enhances the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.

Mix-ins

2 cups Old fashioned oats Gives the best chewy texture; quick oats can be used but result in softer bars.
1 cup Chocolate chips Semi-sweet or dark chocolate; add extra for a bakery look.

Method

Preparation

Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
Stir together melted or softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Mix in oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until no dry streaks remain.
Fold in chocolate chips, adding a handful on top for presentation.

Baking

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake until edges are set and lightly golden, but center remains slightly soft (check around 20-25 minutes).

Cooling

Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Notes

Do not overbake; they continue to cook as they cool. Press the dough evenly to prevent uneven baking. Want extra peanut butter flavor? Swirl some on top before baking. For added dessert-like richness, drizzle melted chocolate on top after cooling.