If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent treat, these 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will quickly become your go-to recipe. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, these bars are not only easy to whip up but also deliciously satisfying. Perfect for a midday snack or a sweet treat after dinner, they combine the rich flavor of almond butter with the comforting taste of oats and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. Plus, they are packed with chocolate chips, making them an irresistible choice for cookie lovers. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of these 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity. By using just five key ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find items. Almond butter brings a creamy texture while providing healthy fats and protein, making these bars a more nutritious option. The oats add fiber, contributing to a satisfying chew, while the maple syrup sweetens the mixture naturally. Chocolate chips are the cherry on top, ensuring every bite is a treat!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 cup unsweetened almond butter: This is the base of our bars, providing richness and flavor.
- 2 eggs: These bind the ingredients together and give the bars structure.
- 1 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds moisture and sweetness.
- 1 cup oats: Rolled oats lend a hearty texture and added nutrition.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): A warm spice that enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips (optional): For a delicious chocolatey finish.
Must-Have Equipment
- Mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Spatula: To mix and fold the batter together.
- Baking pan: A 9×9 inch square pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Parchment paper: To line the pan for easy removal of the bars.
- Oven: Preheated to ensure even baking.
5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure your 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Grease the parchment lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond butter, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of pure maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add 1 cup of oats, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon (if using), and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. If you’re including chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make the bars gluten-free.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of maple syrup to 3/4 cup for a less sweet version.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
- Not measuring the almond butter accurately, which can lead to a dry or overly wet batter.
- Overmixing the ingredients can result in tough bars, so mix until just combined.
- Not lining the pan with parchment paper can make it difficult to remove the bars cleanly.
- Baking for too long can dry out the bars. Keep an eye on them as they approach the 20-minute mark.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
These 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled, slice the bars and store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick treat anytime.
5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Q&A
Can I use other nut butters?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or any other nut or seed butter of your choice. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup as a sweetener. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to taste, as some sweeteners are sweeter than others.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a delicious twist. Just make sure to adjust your quantities accordingly.
Because You Liked This
Bring It to the Table
These 5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your coffee, these bars are sure to impress. With their chewy texture and rich flavors, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookie bars wafting through your home. Happy baking!
5-Ingredient Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup oats Rolled
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Grease the parchment lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond butter, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of pure maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- To the wet mixture, add 1 cup of oats, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon (if using), and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. If you're including chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Notes
- Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Replace the eggs with flax eggs for a vegan option.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
