These oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars are a thick and chewy delicious treat. Cookie bars are so easy to whip up in a flash, right? They are also perfect for any gathering or get-together because they can serve a crowd.

Old-fashioned oatsAll-purpose flourBaking sodaBaking powderKosher saltUnsalted butterDark brown sugarGranulated white sugarCreamy peanut butterEggs, room temperaturePure vanilla extractBittersweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 metal baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an extra overhang on the sides to use as a sling after baking. In a medium-size bowl whisk together 2 cups old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar at medium speed until creamy and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the creamy peanut butter and beat until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract beating until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until just combined. Stir in 8 ounces of chocolate chips. Reserve 2 ounces for the top. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup of oats and the remaining 2 ounces of chocolate chips. Doing this extra step just makes the bars prettier. The chips and oats sprinkled over the top won’t melt or sink into the dough. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on the edges. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. At least 2 hours up to overnight. I like to leave them until the chocolate chips are set up. Using the parchment handles lift the bars out of the pan to a cutting board. Cut into 24 bars and serve.

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