Make Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars: A Simple Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 2-3 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
• Gently fold in the old fashioned oats and chocolate chunks with a spatula, being careful not to overmix which could make the bars tough.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle flakey sea salt on top for an extra flavor pop. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!