Full of hearty oats and rich peanut butter flavor, these Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Finished off with a chocolate drizzle, these soft and chewy bars are the ultimate snack.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
To a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar and peanut butter. With a hand mixer on medium, beat until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Add in the vanilla while mixing, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
With the mixer on medium speed, add in the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. The dough will be very thick and clumpy.
1 cup all purpose white flour, 1 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
In a slow and steady stream, add in the milk, mixing until a dough forms.
1/2 cup milk
Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed.
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Once dough is completely combined, lightly press it into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the bars are lightly golden and set. Allow to cool.
For the drizzle (optional)
To a small microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.