Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars in 35 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to act as a handle.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and fine sea salt until the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
4. Using a sturdy silicone spatula, stir the mixture until fully combined and no dry oat patches remain.
5. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly and evenly using the spatula to ensure the bars hold their shape.
7. Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before using the parchment handles to lift and slice into 14 bars.