Description

These easy, one-bowl oatmeal cookie bars feature a chewy texture with toasted pecans and pockets of melted butterscotch. Perfect for gifting, make-ahead meals, or a quick dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1 cup butterscotch chips
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Sea salt flakes (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and grease lightly.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely, then chop into uneven pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Fold in the rolled oats and toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
Stir in the butterscotch chips, reserving about 2 tablespoons for the top.
Press the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle reserved butterscotch chips and sea salt flakes on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment overhang. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Notes

Toast pecans for better flavor. Do not use instant or steel-cut oats. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup to avoid dry bars. Bars taste better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 180
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

Keywords: oatmeal cookie bars, butterscotch chips, toasted pecans, easy dessert, one-bowl recipe, make-ahead dessert, fall baking