Chocolate Chip and Chia Seed Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Chocolate Chip and Chia Seed Oatmeal Cookie Bars can be eaten as a breakfast or a snack. It's a healthy recipe that doesn't taste healthy!

*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2013. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

I've jumped on the chia seed bandwagon recently, and I'm so glad to be on board! Did you know that chia seeds have a nice nutty flavor and a pleasant little crunch? They are also an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and they can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol.

These little guys known as chia seeds pack quite a healthy punch and are so much more than those cheesy little holiday gifts that grew sprouts on top of a little clay head. Cha, cha, cha, chia!

Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants which help to protect the body from aging and cancer as well as act as a hunger suppressant since they help you to feel fuller longer.

If that's not enough reason to make you jump on the chia seed bandwagon with me...I don't know what will!

By mixing chia seeds with some of your favorite foods, you'll reap all the health benefits they have to offer, but you won't be sacrificing any of the flavors you love (e.g. chocolate chip cookie wedges). Trust me.

(I adapted this recipe from one I found in Cooking Light magazine, April 2013 edition.)

CHOCOLATE CHIP AND CHIA SEED OATMEAL COOKIE BARS        
Servings:  8    Prep time: 5 minutes        Bake time: 15 minutes

⅓ cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup quick-cooking oats
½ cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons peanut butter chips
2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons chia seeds

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

-Prepare a 9" glass pie pan by spraying with baking spray.

-In a medium-size bowl, mix all the ingredients well, using a wooden spoon.

-Spoon the batter into the prepared pie pan and spread the batter evenly in the pan.

-Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cookie is nicely golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

-Cool on a wire rack and cut into wedges to serve.