Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

These thick and chewy peanut butter oatmeal bars are a perfect grab-and-go snack or treat. Made with oatmeal cookie mix, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips, they’re rich, satisfying, and easy to bake in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple to make with minimal prep

• Packed with peanut butter flavor and chewy oats

• Studded with melty chocolate chips

• Ideal for lunchboxes, road trips, or after-school snacks

• Freezer-friendly and easy to store

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (17.5 oz) bag oatmeal chocolate chip cookie mix

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cookie mix, oats, and chocolate chips until evenly combined.

3. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat in the eggs, peanut butter, and heavy cream until a thick, uniform dough forms.

4. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it into a smooth, even layer.

5. Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.

7. Once cool, slice into 16 bars. Serve or store as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 170 kcal per bar

Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture

• Swap semi-sweet chips with white chocolate, butterscotch, or dark chocolate

• Add a handful of chopped nuts for more crunch

• Stir in dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist

• Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a peanut-free alternative

storage/reheating

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

• Refrigerate for up to 10 days for longer freshness

• Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months; thaw at room temp

• No reheating necessary, but bars can be microwaved for 5–10 seconds to soften

FAQs

Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of a mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookie base if preferred. Adjust bake time if needed.

Are these bars soft or crunchy?

They are thick and chewy with slightly crisp edges.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly softer.

Is it okay to use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but mix it well beforehand — natural peanut butter can be oilier and may affect consistency slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not unless you use a gluten-free cookie mix and certified gluten-free oats.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden and the center should look set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup and reduce oats slightly to maintain balance.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Can I skip the heavy cream?

You can substitute with milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the cream adds richness and helps with texture.

Conclusion

Peanut butter oatmeal bars are a satisfying, easy-to-make treat that combines the best of cookies and snack bars in one bite. Whether you’re baking for the week or sharing with friends, these bars offer the perfect mix of chewy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness.

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