Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie Bars

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 Tbsp
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup [2 sticks]  butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 [11.5] oz package milk chocolate chips plus 1/2 cup, divided
1 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, toasted and divided

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Toast for 6-8 minutes until golden.  Cool completely.  Spray a 9 x 13 inch metal non-stick baking pan with baking spray or butter.  Sift together the oats, flour, baking soda and salt.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla.  Beat for 2-3 minutes, then add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.  Stop and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Mix in one [11.5] oz package of  milk chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped nuts by hand.

Spread into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.  Cool completely then cut into bars.  Yield: 24 bars

from Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen