Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the scent of fresh-baked goodies fills the air, and family gathers around the kitchen, buzzing with excitement. My absolute favorite treat to whip up during this festive time is my Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars. They’re chewy, loaded with chocolate, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for sharing with loved ones or sneaking a piece for yourself (I won’t tell!). I still remember the first time I brought these bars to a holiday gathering; they disappeared in a flash! Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll be a new tradition in your home too. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to create those delicious Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars! Don’t worry, you probably have most of these ingredients on hand already. Just remember to have your butter melted and your oats rolled for that perfect chewy texture!
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying the warm, gooey goodness in no time. Trust me; it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. So, don’t skip it! Set a timer to remind yourself—nobody likes a forgotten preheat!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk these together to make sure everything is evenly mixed. The brown sugar needs to be packed in—this helps with that delightful chewy texture we all crave!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add in the magic! Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. You want to make sure that the butter is evenly distributed, which will help bind the bars together. Oh, the smell of vanilla at this point is divine!
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in those luscious chocolate chips. I say “fold” because we want to keep that nice texture—don’t just stir like you’re in a race! Incorporating the chocolate chips gently ensures they’re evenly mixed without breaking them down. The more chocolate, the better, right?
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Grab a greased baking pan (I usually use a 9×13 inch one). Spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing it down gently to make sure it holds together. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set but still a little soft—this is key for that chewy texture. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes!
Step 6: Cooling and Cutting
Once your bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This is where patience pays off! When they’re cool enough to handle, transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into bars. I recommend using a sharp knife for clean edges. Trust me, they’ll look so inviting, you may want to take a quick photo before diving in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- Perfect for holiday gatherings—everyone loves a good chocolate treat!
- Deliciously chewy texture with rich chocolate flavor in every bite
- A great make-ahead dessert that freezes well, so you can enjoy them later
- Customizable! Add nuts, dried fruit, or even swap in different flavored chips
- Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds (or thirds!)
- Brings the cozy, festive spirit right into your kitchen
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars turn out perfectly? I’ve got you covered with some expert tips that will elevate your baking game!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Just stir until everything is combined. This will help keep your bars soft and chewy instead of tough.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The chocolate chips are the star of the show, so choose a good-quality chocolate. I love using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for that rich flavor, but feel free to mix in some milk chocolate for a sweeter touch!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking. They might look a bit soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool. If the edges are golden and the center is slightly set, you’re good to go!
- Try Add-Ins: Feeling adventurous? You can customize your bars by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. It’s a great way to make them your own!
- Cool Completely: Make sure to let your bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
- Storage Secrets: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in those delightful Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars? Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (that’s one bar!). Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These bars strike a wonderful balance between indulgence and a bit of wholesome goodness from the oats. Enjoy them guilt-free during the holidays—or whenever you need a sweet treat!
FAQ Section
If you’ve got questions about my Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, you’re in the right place! Here are some common queries I’ve heard, along with my helpful answers to set you on the path to baking success.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Absolutely! Quick oats will work in a pinch, but keep in mind that the texture might be a little different. Rolled oats give those bars that chewy goodness we all love, but quick oats will still yield delicious results!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. They’ll keep your bars rich and flavorful without the dairy! Just make sure it’s melted before mixing it in.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the freezer! Just wrap them tightly and they’ll be good for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying for the best texture.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even cranberries make fantastic additions that enhance the holiday spirit!
Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?
To make these bars vegan, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. With those small adjustments, you’ll have a delicious treat that fits right into a vegan lifestyle!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They’re done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit undercooked when you take them out!
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your chocolate choices. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips can bring a new twist to these bars. The more chocolate, the merrier!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of those delicious Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, and now you’re wondering how to store them? No worries—I’ve got the scoop! To keep them fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They really do stay chewy and delightful!
If you want to save some for later (if there are any left, that is!), these bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat—these bars are just as delicious enjoyed straight from the fridge, but if you prefer them warm, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will bring back that gooey goodness. Enjoy every bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out these chocolate chip cheesecake cookies or peanut butter banana chocolate chip oatmeal bars!
Print
Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars: 5 Cozy Moments to Share
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas oatmeal chocolate chip bars perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract, and stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These bars freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars