Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Name: Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup white whole wheat flour; ½ – ¾ cup light brown sugar; ¼ – ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 cup melted coconut oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chunks

Published: October 23, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome Ingredients: Made with old fashioned oats and whole wheat flour, these bars provide fiber and nutrients.
Easy Preparation: With just one mixing bowl required, cleanup is minimal, allowing you to focus on enjoying your treats.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugars to suit your taste, making it easy to create the perfect sweetness level.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: Generous chunks of dark chocolate provide indulgence without compromising health.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack for kids or a dessert for guests, these bars fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious bars, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Stand mixer (optional)
Baking dish (9×13 inches)
Parchment paper (for lining)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
Baking dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for even cooking of the cookie bars.
Parchment paper: Lining your dish with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the bars once baked.

Ingredients

For the Base

2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour
½ – ¾ cup light brown sugar (use more for a sweeter cookie; ½ cup recommended)
¼ – ½ cup granulated sugar (use more for a sweeter cookie; ¼ cup recommended)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt

For the Moisture

1 cup melted coconut oil
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Indulgence

1 ½ cups dark chocolate chunks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine:
1. Old fashioned oats
2. All-purpose flour
3. Whole wheat flour
4. Light brown sugar
5. Granulated sugar
6. Baking soda
7. Kosher salt

Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add:
1. Melted coconut oil
2. Eggs
3. Vanilla extract

Beat or stir until everything is combined into a moist dough that appears crumbly.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chunks

Gently fold in dark chocolate chunks ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the crumbly dough into the prepared baking dish. Press it firmly across the bottom to form an even layer.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Allow cooling completely before slicing into 24 bars for serving.

Enjoy your Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars!

These Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat, they can be served in various delightful ways.

With Fresh Fruit

Sliced Bananas: Pair the bars with fresh banana slices for added sweetness and creaminess.
Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor.

With Yogurt

Greek Yogurt: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost and creamy texture.
Coconut Yogurt: For a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt adds a tropical twist that complements the chocolate.

As a Dessert Platter

Cheese Plate: Combine with cheese varieties like ricotta or mascarpone to balance the sweetness of the bars.
Nuts and Seeds: Create a snack platter with assorted nuts and seeds for crunch and healthy fats alongside the cookie bars.

For those looking to enhance their baking skills, here are some tips to ensure your cookie bars turn out perfectly every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and flours are fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Measure Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons carefully to avoid dry or overly wet dough.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy; small variations can affect baking results.
Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting; this helps maintain structure.

Pair these delicious cookie bars with complementary side dishes for a well-rounded treat experience. Here are some fantastic options.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and nutrition to your dessert spread.
Nut Butter Dip: Serve with almond or peanut butter for dipping; it adds protein and richness.
Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert is nutritious and pairs well with the chocolatey flavor of the bars.
Homemade Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture contrast when served alongside the soft cookie bars.
Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds makes for a colorful and hearty companion.
Ice Cream or Sorbet: For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fruit sorbet for a delightful contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to better results.

Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking dish may cause the bars to stick. Always grease or line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined for a chewy texture.
Ignoring the baking time: Baking for too long can dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them once they are golden brown around the edges.
Not cooling before slicing: Cutting into warm bars can result in messy pieces. Allow them to cool completely for clean cuts.
Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can affect the mixing process. Let your eggs sit at room temperature for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freeze in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three months.
Layer parchment paper between bars for easy separation.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookie bars for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe uses whole wheat flour and oats, offering more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional cookie recipes.

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with other oils or butters, and use different types of chocolate chunks based on your preference.

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Absolutely! These cookie bars freeze well. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between.

When stored properly, they can last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars offer a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious. With their chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Feel free to customize with nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste!

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Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe