The Ultimate Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Chewy, Chocolatey, and Irresistible
These chocolate chip oatmeal bars are thick, chewy, and made with wholesome ingredients. You’ll savor every chocolatey bite of this sweet dessert or healthy snack!
Chocolate lovers, get ready to swoon. These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are truly obsession-worthy, and I’m officially the president of their fan club. As president, it’s my responsibility to make sure you know just how incredibly rich and delicious these bars are. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them sooner!
We’re using quick cooking oats in these bars to achieve that perfect chewy bite. And don’t worry, there are plenty of gooey chocolate chips involved. The secret to that delightful sweet and savory balance? A sprinkle of flaky salt on top, added as soon as these beauties come out of the oven.
The best part? You don’t need a food processor or stand mixer. Just a few ingredients and one large mixing bowl will do the trick. This is such a simple recipe that even my 9-year-old loves helping me whip these up.
Make these for parties, potlucks, or a special treat for the family—or just make them for yourself. Trust me, that’s encouraged! Fair warning: these bars disappear fast. If you’re sharing, snag a few for yourself before they’re gone. Bonus: you can even serve them as a quick breakfast because the ingredients are so good! Your whole family will be thrilled on busy mornings.
Ingredients for Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Quick cooking oats: These oats are steamed longer than old-fashioned oats (rolled oats), making them softer and ideal for a chewy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps create air bubbles during baking, giving the bars a lighter texture.
- Egg: Keeps the bars moist and helps bind everything together.
- Nut butter: Use your favorite nut butter—almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter are all great. Just make sure it’s well-stirred before using.
- Pure maple syrup or honey: Both are natural sweeteners with no refined sugar. I’ll dive into why I love these options below.
- Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing the flavor.
- Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips: Choose whichever you prefer—both work perfectly!
- Flaky salt for topping: Don’t skip this step! Flaky salt, like Maldon, balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Start by stirring together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, nut butter, pure maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a parchment-lined baking dish. Press the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top.
- Bake until golden brown and delicious.
- As soon as they’re out of the oven, sprinkle with flaky salt for that perfect finish.
Can You Use Rolled Oats Instead of Quick Cooking Oats?
You can, but there’s a noticeable difference in texture. Rolled oats make the bars a bit crunchier, while quick oats create that irresistible chewy texture. For this recipe, I highly recommend sticking with quick oats for the best results.
Pure Maple Syrup vs Pancake Syrup
Pure maple syrup is made from 100% maple sap that’s been boiled down to perfection. In contrast, pancake syrup is typically a mix of corn syrup, artificial flavoring, and sugar. For these bars, I love using pure maple syrup because it adds just the right amount of natural sweetness without overpowering the recipe.
Pure Maple Syrup vs Honey
Both pure maple syrup and honey work beautifully in these chocolate chip oatmeal bars, but let’s break them down:
- Pure maple syrup: Lower in calories and sugar, plus it contains more micronutrients (like calcium and zinc) and antioxidants.
- Honey: Has antibacterial properties, less fat and sodium, and also packs anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ultimately, both are fantastic natural sweeteners. Choose your favorite or use what you have on hand!
How to Store These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
For that perfect chewy texture, store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days.
Want to save some for later? These bars freeze beautifully. Once cooled, cut them into squares and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them whenever you’re ready to indulge!
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a treat you’ll keep coming back to. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they’re always a hit. So go ahead—grab a mixing bowl and get baking!
Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup any nut butter Almond, peanut, or cashew butter are all great options. I use almond butter made with only almonds.
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup or honey I use pure maple syrup.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dark chocolate or semi sweet chocolate chips
- To top: flaky salt I use Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl stir together the oats and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl whisk the egg. Then stir in the nut butter, pure maple syrup or honey, and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Stir in ½ cup of the chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture in the parchment paper lined baking dish. Press the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips into the top of the bars.
- Bake for 30 min. Remove from the oven and top with flaky salt immediately. Allow to cool completely before slicing into 9 squares. Enjoy or refrigerate to serve later!
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Emily Hart, a 32-year-old chef with a lifelong passion for cooking that goes far beyond just a career—it’s the heart and soul of who I am. From the moment I was old enough to hold a spoon, I’ve been enchanted by the way food brings people together, how flavors can tell stories, and how a simple dish can evoke powerful emotions. The kitchen is my sanctuary, where the sizzle of pans and the aroma of fresh ingredients inspire me to create something special every day.
For me, cooking isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting, pushing boundaries, and blending culinary traditions to create something new and exciting. Whether I’m preparing an elegant five-course dinner or a comforting bowl of homemade soup, I pour my heart into every detail. I believe that food has the power to connect us all—whether through shared meals or teaching others how to find joy in cooking.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills not only in crafting delicious meals but also in understanding what makes people feel at home when they sit down at the table. I love sharing my passion with others through cooking classes, collaborations with fellow food enthusiasts, and simply bringing people together one plate at a time. Cooking is my art form, and every dish is an opportunity to share a piece of myself with the world.
