PEPPERMINT OAT BARS

Peppermint Oat Bars image

Peppermint, oatmeal and chocolate chips are a terrific combination in this recipe shared by Connie Major Williams from Dexter, Michigan. The bars obviously were a hit with her brother-in-law. "The first time he tasted them, he said, 'Mmmm...can you buy these someplace?'" she recalls.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield about 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 to 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar and butter. Stir in nuts (mixture will be crumbly). Set aside 3/4 cup for topping. , Press the remaining mixture into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips and peppermint candies. , Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 58mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.