Fudgey Oatmeal Cookie Bars

I'm a big fan of almost anything containing oats or chocolate or coffee, and when they're combined, it's usually glorious. These cookie bars are yummy, easy to make, and require ingredients you're almost sure to have on hand.

_{If you're more interested in something you don't need to heat up your oven for, you might want to try some Nanaimo Bars - they're delicious!}

Step 1: You'll Need. . .

Software
For the crust and topping

• 1 cup quick oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Large pinch salt
• 8 tablespoons melted butter

For the filling

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (substitute brown sugar and omit molasses if you'd like)
• 1 tablespoon molasses (omit if using brown sugar instead of white)
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• Large pinch of salt
• Splash of vanilla extract
• Splash of chocolate extract (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg

Hardware

• 2 medium mixing bowls
• 1 microwave safe mixing bowl
• 9" x 9" baking dish lined with foil to form a sling (two pieces of foil spread along the bottom, perpendicular to one another)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step 2: A Good Foundation

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Line baking dish with foil to form a sling (see photo) and lightly grease foil
3. Whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
4. Stir in melted butter until combined
5. Reserve 3/4 cup for topping
6. Pour the remaining oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and press into an even layer on the bottom
7. Bake approximately 8 minutes, or until lightly browned
8. Allow to cool fully

Step 3: What's on the Inside That Counts

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, molasses, espresso powder, and salt
2. Place chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat for approximately 50 seconds or until melted (make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn). Stir to combine
3. Allow to cool slightly and whisk in egg, vanilla extract, and chocolate extract (if using)
4. Stir in flour mixture until just combined

Step 4: It All Comes Together

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, pour filling mixture over cooled crust and smooth
2. Sprinkle the top with the reserved oat mixture
3. Bake approximately 27 minutes (rotating half way through cooking), or until the edges pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
4. Allow to cool fully and remove from pan using the foil sling
5. Slice and enjoy!