Description
Indulge in Molly Beth’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars, a perfect blend of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips baked into delightful bars. These bars offer the comforting flavors of classic oatmeal cookies with a gooey center that can be enjoyed warm or set, ideal as a sweet treat or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 heaping cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (rolled oats)
- 1.5 heaping cups chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add the egg, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until combined. Then add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips by hand to ensure even distribution.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared 8×8 pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for enhanced appearance and chocolate flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden. The center should still be slightly jiggly to maintain a gooey texture. For firmer bars, bake an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Cool the Bars: Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow the bars to cool for at least 15-20 minutes so they set properly. They can be enjoyed warm or fully set depending on your preference.
- Serve and Store: Serve bars as is or paired with ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Store leftovers covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- The bars are best enjoyed warm with a slightly gooey center but can be baked longer for a more set texture.
- Extra chocolate chips on top add visual appeal and extra chocolate flavor.
- Store bars covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit chocolate chips if allergenic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
