Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect sweet treat that’s equal parts chewy, hearty, and indulgent, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the answer. Combining the nutty richness of peanut butter, the comforting texture of oats, and a touch of sweetness, these bars strike the ideal balance between dessert and snack.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual coffee date, or just indulging in a sweet craving, these cookie bars are a guaranteed hit. They’re simple to make, customizable, and perfect for storing as a grab-and-go snack throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in less than an hour, including bake time.
2. Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with oats and peanut butter for a hearty, satisfying treat.
3. Versatile: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to make them uniquely yours.
4. Perfect Texture: A chewy, soft center with a slightly crisp top and edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
2. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
3. Beat in the egg, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Add the Oats and Mix-ins

1. Fold in the oats until evenly distributed.
2. If using mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits, gently stir them into the batter at this stage.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Pan

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Smooth the top and ensure the batter is level for even baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Bars

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

Step 7: Add Optional Topping

1. Once the bars are slightly cooled, drizzle melted peanut butter over the top for added flavor and presentation.
2. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars are versatile and pair well with:

• A Warm Beverage: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• A Scoop of Ice Cream: Top with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Milk: A classic pairing that complements the richness of the bars.

Customization Ideas

1. Chocolate Lovers: Add a swirl of Nutella or chocolate spread into the batter before baking.
2. Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly version.
3. Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by half; add mashed banana for natural sweetness.
4. Trail Mix Bars: Incorporate dried fruits, coconut flakes, and seeds for a hearty, snackable bar.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
2. Don’t Overbake: Pull the bars from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the center is set. They’ll firm up as they cool.
3. Cool Before Slicing: Cutting too early can cause the bars to crumble. Allow them to set fully for neat slices.
4. Line Your Pan: Parchment paper makes removing the bars from the pan effortless and prevents sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier bite, which works best in this recipe.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture with little bits of peanuts in every bite.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

Grease your pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch baking pan and increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars offer a satisfying blend of nutty, chewy, and sweet flavors that make them universally appealing. They’re as great for packing into lunchboxes as they are for serving at potlucks or enjoying with a cozy evening drink.

With their simplicity and endless customization options, this recipe is a must-have for your baking repertoire. It’s proof that you don’t need elaborate techniques to create a treat that feels indulgent and special.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just in the mood for a hearty dessert, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars deliver on all fronts. Their perfect balance of textures and flavors ensures they’ll be a favorite in your household. Bake them once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

Serve them fresh from the oven or enjoy them as a make-ahead snack—the possibilities are endless. One thing’s for sure: they’ll never last long!

Yield: 12 Bars

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Print

If you’re searching for the perfect sweet treat that’s equal parts chewy, hearty, and indulgent, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the answer. Combining the nutty richness of peanut butter, the comforting texture of oats, and a touch of sweetness, these bars strike the ideal balance between dessert and snack.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts (if using).

4. Assemble and Bake:

1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

5. Cool and Slice:

1. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
2. Remove from the pan (if using parchment paper) and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

• Optional Add-Ins: Add raisins, white chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.