Description
These Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars offer a wholesome twist on classic cookie bars by combining old fashioned oats, whole wheat flours, and dark chocolate chunks. With reduced sugar and the use of coconut oil as a healthy fat alternative, these bars provide a satisfying treat with a chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup light brown sugar (use more for a sweeter cookie, typical amount used: 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup granulated sugar (use more for a sweeter cookie, typical amount used: 1/4 cup)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup melted coconut oil (see notes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the old fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, kosher salt, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until the dough is moist and all ingredients are incorporated, though the dough will remain crumbly.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: Fold in the dark chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the crumbly dough into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bars develop a golden color.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with flaky salt. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into 24 bars for serving.
Notes
- Melted coconut oil replaces traditional butter or vegetable oils, providing a healthier fat option and a subtle coconut flavor.
- Adjust the sugar quantities depending on your desired sweetness; reducing sugar makes these bars more wholesome.
- Using parchment paper for lining the baking dish makes cleanup easier and removes the need for additional greasing.
- Flaky salt on top enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Make sure to press the crumbly dough firmly into the pan to help the bars hold their shape after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
