Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

When my kids were little I was in desperate need for some adult interaction. I ended up joining a group of stay-at-home moms who got together once a month to eat and socialize. We all took turns hosting and cooking a modest dinner. My favorite part was always dessert My friend, Jennifer, served chocolate oatmeal bars one evening, and I was hooked! This recipe is adapted from hers. These bars are soft and cakey and me the perfect treat for a crowd.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Butter, softened but still cool

2 eggs

1 Tablespoon Milk

1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

1 3/4 Cup White Whole Wheat Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 teaspoon Salt

2 1/2 Cups Rolled Oats (Oatmeal)

1 (12 – ounce) bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (I sometimes use mini chips)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

With a mixer, cream butter and sugars for 1 minute. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix for 30 seconds.

Add flour to the bowl. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the flour. Mix gently to combine. Add oats and chocolate chips. Mix just to combine.

Spread ingredients into an ungreased 9 x 13 baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until browned on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few dry crumbs.

Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes, then cut into 24 squares. Serve warm. If there are any left over, let them cool completely and store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.