Healthier Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Soft, Chewy & 5 Ingredients!)

These Healthier Oatmeal Cookie Bars are soft-baked, naturally sweetened, and packed with melty chocolate chips in every bite. No mixer, no refined fuss—just a bowl, a spoon, and 25 minutes between you and dessert.

Overview of Recipe Content

These bars are perfect for:

• Healthy snacking
• Lunchboxes
• After-dinner treats
• Beginner bakers

Why you’ll love them

• Just 5 simple ingredients
• Naturally sweetened
• Soft and chewy texture
• One-bowl recipe

What they taste like

Warm, comforting oats with rich chocolate pockets—like a classic oatmeal cookie, but softer and more wholesome.

Nutritional & lifestyle notes

• No refined sugar
• Easily dairy-free
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredients (Full & Complete – 5 Total)

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• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Substitutions & Additions

• Use sunflower seed butter for nut-free
• Add cinnamon for warmth
• Stir in chopped nuts for crunch
• Swap chocolate chips for raisins

How to Make Healthier Oatmeal Cookie Bars

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Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix

In a bowl, stir together oats, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Chocolate

Fold in chocolate chips gently—try not to eat too many along the way

Step 4: Press

Press mixture firmly and evenly into prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is set.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let cool completely before slicing into bars for the best texture.

What to Serve with Oatmeal Cookie Bars

• Cold milk or almond milk
• Coffee or tea
• Fresh fruit
• Yogurt for breakfast-style bars

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Press the mixture firmly into the pan
• Don’t overbake—soft is the goal
• Cool fully before slicing
• Store chilled for extra chewiness

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 2 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (slice first)

General Information

Oat-based bars like these are a staple in American home kitchens—simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. This healthier version keeps the soul of the classic while lightening things up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but texture will be softer.

Are these gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I make them vegan?
Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Why are my bars crumbly?
They need more cooling time—trust the process.

Conclusion

These Healthier Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars prove you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something truly satisfying. Soft, chewy, and chocolate-loaded—this is the kind of recipe you make once and memorize forever.

You might also love:

• https://poulef.com/healthy-oat-recipes
• https://poulef.com/no-bake-snacks
• https://poulef.com/healthy-dessert-bars
• https://poulef.com/easy-oatmeal-bakes
• https://poulef.com/chocolate-chip-recipes

Interactive Elements

Leave a review if you try them!
Share your bars on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Bar)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
180	22g	9g	5g

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