Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

There’s something comforting about a warm batch of Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars fresh out of the oven. I remember the first time I baked these bars; it was a chilly afternoon, and I was looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with my afternoon coffee. The aroma of melting butter and peanut butter filled the kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. As I combined the oats and chocolate chips, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me—these bars remind me of my childhood, where every sweet treat was a celebration. They’re chewy, filled with rich flavors, and just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for sharing or indulging in alone. As I cut into the warm, gooey bars, I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my home. With their delightful combination of flavors, Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a hug in dessert form.

What to Buy for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

When it comes to the ingredients for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor profile. The combination of oats, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a delicious harmony that is both satisfying and comforting. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bars, giving them structure and chewiness.
• Old fashioned oats: They add texture and heartiness, making these bars wholesome and filling.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for that perfect soft texture.
• Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to achieve that ideal lift.
• Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring the bars are chewy.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, giving these bars their signature flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: An essential flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Adds bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
• Peanut butter chips: For an extra peanut butter flavor that complements the bars perfectly.
• Mini peanut butter cups: Optional, but they take these bars to the next level of indulgence.
• Flake sea salt: A finishing touch that enhances the flavor and looks appealing on top.

How to Make Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Making Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on these delightful treats!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial as it ensures that your bars bake evenly. While the oven preheats, line a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This dry mixture is essential for creating the structure of your bars, so ensure it’s well combined before moving on.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about a minute.
4. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and glossy.
5. Now, fold in the dry ingredients gently, ensuring not to overmix. You want just to see the dry bits disappear. This step is crucial for keeping your bars chewy.
6. Once combined, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and mini peanut butter cups, reserving a few for the top. The combination of chips adds a delightful contrast to the chewy base.
7. Press the dough into the prepared pan evenly. It might be a bit sticky, so wet your hands slightly to make pressing easier. Make sure it’s an even layer to bake uniformly.
8. Scatter the reserved chips and peanut butter cups on top, and sprinkle with flake sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly browned, and the center should be just set. Remember, do not overbake, as this will dry them out.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper will make slicing much easier. Cut them into squares, rectangles, or triangles—whatever suits your fancy!
11. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days, though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Recipe Variations about Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some fun variations for your Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars:

• Substitute Nut Butters: Try using almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
• Go Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Make Them Vegan: Use flax eggs and a vegan butter substitute to create a plant-based version.
• Add Fruit: Incorporate mashed bananas or applesauce for added moisture and sweetness.
• Top with Frosting: For an extra indulgent treat, spread some cream cheese frosting on top once cooled.
• Mix in Seeds: Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an added nutritional boost.

Serving Ideas for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

When it comes to serving your freshly baked Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ideas:

• As a Snack: These bars make for a perfect afternoon snack paired with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re hearty and filling, giving you the energy needed to power through the rest of your day.
• For Breakfast: Slice them up and serve with a dollop of yogurt and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast that will keep you going.
• Pack in Lunchboxes: They make an excellent addition to kids’ lunchboxes or as a mid-day treat for adults.
• At Gatherings: Bring them to parties or potlucks; they’re always a hit and can easily be cut into small squares for sharing.
• For Special Occasions: Dress them up with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a festive touch.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to five days. You can also place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with the wholesome goodness of oats. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon snack or a dessert for a gathering. I encourage you to try making these bars; they are sure to become a favorite in your home. You won’t regret indulging in such a delicious and satisfying treat!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are chewy, rich, and deliciously satisfying. Packed with peanut butter, chocolate, and oats, these easy weeknight treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Make them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/4 cups cups All-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups cups Old fashioned oats
• 3/4 teaspoon teaspoon Baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon Fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup cups Unsalted butter
• 2 cups cups Packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup cups Creamy peanut butter
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 teaspoons teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 cup cups Semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup cups Peanut butter chips
• 2/3 cup cups Mini peanut butter cups
• 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon Flake sea salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter and stir until smooth. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients until just incorporated, then stir in chocolate and peanut butter chips and peanut butter cups, reserving a few tablespoons of each for the top (optional, but makes for extra pretty bars).
• Press dough into prepared pan. Scatter remaining chips and peanut butter cups on top, then sprinkle with sea salt.
• Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and center is just set. Do not overbake. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature before lifting out of the pan and slicing into squares, rectangles, or triangles. Bars will keep, stored in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to five days. They also freeze wonderfully for longer storage!

Keyword Chewy Cookie Bars, Easy Cookie Recipe, Oatmeal Cookie Bars, Peanut Butter Desserts