If you love simple, wholesome treats that satisfy your sweet tooth without a complicated ingredient list, then you are going to adore this 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. It brings together creamy almond butter, hearty oats, and melty chocolate chips in a soft, chewy bar that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you need a quick snack or an easy dessert to share, these bars deliver incredible taste and texture with barely any effort. They’re naturally gluten-free (thanks to the oats and almond butter), packed with cozy cinnamon and a touch of sea salt that makes every bite pop. Honestly, these bars have become one of my all-time favorites — and I can’t wait for you to try them, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence. Each component plays an important role in creating that chewy texture, rich flavor, and lovely golden color that make these bars irresistible.
- Unsweetened almond butter: The creamy, nutty base that holds all the ingredients together and adds healthy fats and protein.
- Eggs: They provide structure to the bars, helping them set without being cakey or dry.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds moisture and that gentle sweetness that complements the nutty almond butter perfectly.
- Rolled oats: These hearty oats add chewiness and a wholesome texture that makes each bite satisfying.
- Chocolate chips: Optional but highly recommended for melting little pockets of chocolate that bring pure joy with every bar.
- Ground cinnamon: A pinch enhances warmth and depth in the flavor profile — feel free to leave it out if you prefer simplicity.
- Sea salt: Just a small sprinkle to contrast the sweetness and bring out all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures your bars bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown edge that adds to their charm.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some extra on the sides. This little trick makes lifting the bars out for cooling and cutting much easier, so you don’t have to wrestle with sticky sides.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, eggs, and pure maple syrup. Stir vigorously until the mixture is uniformly smooth and creamy. This step is where the base for your bars comes alive and you’ll start to get a sense of how luscious the batter will be.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now gently fold in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon if using, sea salt, and chocolate chips. Stir just until everything is evenly mixed — avoid overmixing here to keep the bars tender and chewy.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Getting an even layer helps the bars bake uniformly so every bite has the same perfect texture.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center looks set but still soft. Resist the urge to overbake, as these bars shine when they stay moist and chewy.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
After removing the pan from the oven, let the bars cool for about 10 minutes right in the pan. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire slab out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cutting into warm bars might make them crumbly, but patience here is rewarded with clean, perfect squares.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are utterly delicious on their own, you can elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of toasted almond slices adds an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the oats and almond butter.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt transforms a simple snack into an indulgent dessert. Fresh berries on the side also bring a burst of brightness and balance the richness wonderfully, making every bite pop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting these bars into bite-sized cubes and serving them on a skewer alongside fresh fruit for a portable snack. Alternatively, sandwich two bars with peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for an irresistible twist on the classic cookie bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The moisture in the almond butter keeps these bars soft and chewy without drying out, making them an excellent grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a sweet pick-me-up whenever you want.
Reheating
For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm frozen bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until soft. You can also pop them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes to revive their chewy texture and melty chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter for almond butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter works great in this recipe and gives the bars a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats. Make sure to check the oats packaging if you need to avoid gluten strictly.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey is a suitable alternative, though it might make the bars a bit denser and sweeter. Adjust the amount to taste if using honey.
What’s the best way to make these bars nut-free?
Try substituting almond butter for sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter if allergies are a concern. The texture might change slightly, but the bars will still be tasty.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the bars?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries add great texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the oats for added variety.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe because it has become one of my favorite easy treats to whip up. It’s simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious — the kind of recipe that makes you feel good and satisfies your sweet cravings at the same time. Whether you keep them all to yourself or share them with friends and family, these bars are sure to bring a little joy to your day. Happy baking!
Print
5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a simple, wholesome treat perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Made with creamy almond butter, rolled oats, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and chocolate chips, these bars combine nutrition and flavor effortlessly. With a hint of cinnamon and sea salt, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (rolled)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- â…” cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps the bars develop a golden brown color.
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, eggs, and pure maple syrup. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring all the wet ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon (if using), sea salt, and chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Stir gently until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Scoop the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, smoothing the top to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and allow to cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.
Notes
- For chewier bars, bake closer to 20 minutes; for firmer bars, bake up to 25 minutes.
- Ground cinnamon is optional but adds a warm flavor note.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the bars vegan-friendly.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or any other nut butter as preferred.
