Delicious Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

These are the *best* bars and so easy to make, the trick to these is not to overbake, mine bake out perfectly in a 350 degree oven, second-lowest rack for 22 minutes, servings is only estimated --- add in 1 teaspoon cinnamon also if desired --- this was developed using full-fat peanut butter :)

• Total Time: 32 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 22 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 25

• 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, well packed
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla (can use 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons maple extract)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups peanut butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups oatmeal (I use half quick cooking and regular oats)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Set oven rack to second-lowest position.
3. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
4. In a large bowl using an electric mixer at medium speed cream the butter with both sugars and vanilla until no sugar granules remain (about 4 minutes).
5. Add in the peanut butter and beat until combined.
6. Add in eggs and beat until combined.
7. In a bowl combine the flour with baking soda and oats; add to the creamed mixture and mix on low speed until combined.
8. Mix in chocolate chips.
9. Transfer and spread into prepared baking dish.
10. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until JUST set (do not overbake).
11. Cool then cut into squares.

Reviews

[Chef #707891]

Love the recipe. But have made changes --have halved the amount of butter and added one half a cup of lowfat vanilla yogurt to cut the fat. And used some whole wheat flour in place of the white flour, as well as added some ground flaxseed. The yogurt substitution seems to require a longer baking time.

[Hazeleyes]

Very very good! I cut down on the sugar...3/4 c. of each. Didn't seem to make a difference, still sweet enough! I also used 1/2 cup butter, and 1/2 cup butter flavored crisco. I baked in a 9x13 inch glass pan, and it took about 23 minutes until done. Very good texture and flavor. Thanks Kittencal!

[jane49423]

Cut the recipe in half and cooked for 25 minutes in a nine by nine pan. Served with whipped cream. Delicious!