Go Back
Here’s what you need to make these tasty Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The peanut butter gives rich flavor and creaminess. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar brings a nice depth of flavor. The eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla adds warmth, while baking soda helps the bars rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Rolled oats provide a chewy texture. If you want, you can add dark chocolate chips or nuts for extra fun. These bars are simple to make and use basic pantry items. You’ll love how easy it is to whip them up for a snack or dessert! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the baking dish with parchment paper. - In a bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Mix until creamy. - Next, add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined. - In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of rolled oats. - Gradually fold the oat mixture into the peanut butter mixture. Be careful not to overmix. - If you like, add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. - Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden edges appear. - Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. - Lift them out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack. - Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles. For a nice touch, serve the bars stacked on a platter or wrapped in parchment. You can drizzle melted chocolate on top for a gourmet flair. To make great peanut butter oatmeal cookie bars, use the right mix of ingredients. Mix creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and brown sugar until smooth. This gives your bars a nice, sweet base. When adding eggs and vanilla, mix just until blended. Do not overmix the batter when you add the oats. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Fold the oat mix gently into the wet mix. This will keep your bars soft and chewy. To check if your bars are done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a little longer. Choose the right baking dish. I recommend a 9x13 inch pan. Glass or metal pans work well. Both give even heat, helping your bars bake perfectly. You can serve these bars in many fun ways. Stack them on a platter for a party or wrap them in parchment for a grab-and-go snack. For added flair, drizzle melted chocolate on top. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple touches can make your bars look fancy and taste even better! Pro Tips Use Natural Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to create your own signature bars! Check for Doneness: To ensure perfect bars, check them a few minutes before the baking time is up; they should be golden on the edges and firm in the center. Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients to fit your taste or needs. For sweeteners, try agave syrup or coconut sugar. Both options work well and add great flavor. If you want a different nut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are good choices. These swaps keep the bars tasty and fun. Want to spice things up? Add some cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices give the bars a cozy feel. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add sweetness and chewiness, making your bars even better. If you need gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats. These oats keep your recipe safe and delicious. You can also try flour alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour. Both options work well and help you enjoy these treats without worry. Store your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars at room temperature. They taste best this way. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you live in a warm area, consider refrigeration. It keeps the bars cool and safe from melting. To freeze the bars, first, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. When you want to eat one, take out a bar. Let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best texture. These cookie bars last about one week at room temperature. If stored correctly in an airtight container, they can last even longer. Look for signs that they are bad. If they smell off or have a dry texture, it’s time to toss them. Enjoy them at their best while they are fresh! You can tell the bars are done when the edges turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they're ready. Yes, you can make these bars vegan. Just replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. You can use flax eggs, applesauce, or mashed bananas. Each option adds moisture and binds the bars. Choose based on your taste and preference. After cooling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. For a fun touch, serve them stacked on a platter or wrapped in parchment. Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld together. Yes, you can use sunbutter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter. These substitutes give a similar taste and texture without nuts, making it safer for those with allergies. These peanut butter oatmeal cookie bars are easy to make and customizable. We covered the key ingredients, straightforward steps, and tips for perfecting them. I shared how to add fun flavors and store them well. In summary, this is a fun treat you can enjoy any time. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients. You’ll make a delicious snack everyone will love. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Delicious and chewy cookie bars made with peanut butter and oats, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 2 honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 2 salt
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 2 dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 2 chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and brown sugar until well mixed and creamy.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, and whisk until fully incorporated.
  • In another bowl, mix together the baking soda, salt, and rolled oats until combined.
  • Gradually fold the oat mixture into the peanut butter mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • If desired, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts into the batter.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Notes

Serve the bars stacked on a platter or wrapped individually in parchment for a delightful packaged treat. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate for a gourmet touch.
Keyword cookie bars, oatmeal, peanut butter