Irresistible Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe: Sweet Perfection

My go-to comfort baking transforms classic oatmeal raisin cookie bars into a nostalgic treat that hugs your taste buds.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through these sweet, chewy squares packed with warm spices.

Rolled oats create a hearty texture that makes each bite substantial and satisfying.

Plump raisins nestled throughout provide bursts of natural sweetness against a tender, golden backdrop.

Crisp edges give way to a soft center that promises pure indulgence.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making these bars perfect for spontaneous baking moments.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars That Hit the Spot

• Craft Quick Comfort: These oatmeal raisin cookie bars deliver homemade goodness with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in no time.
• Transform Snack Time: Packed with hearty oats and sweet raisins, these bars make an incredible treat for kids and adults, bringing delightful nutrition to every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can create a delicious dessert that works for family gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon snacking.
• Versatile Baking Joy: The recipe offers flexibility with potential mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, allowing personalization while maintaining the classic comfort of traditional oatmeal raisin flavor.

Ingredients to Bake Oatmeal Raisin Bars

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to the chewy, caramel-like characteristics of the bars.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie bars.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the oats and raisins.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Rolled Oats, Raisins: Provide texture, chewiness, and a classic oatmeal raisin cookie flavor.

Instructions for Soft and Chewy Cookie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Generously coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and almost cloud-like.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Pour in eggs and vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly until everything combines into a smooth, silky texture.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Ensure all ingredients are well integrated with no lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter blend. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Delicious Extras

Fold in rolled oats and plump raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Spread The Goodness

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even layer that reaches all corners.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color signaling they’re ready.

Step 9: Cool And Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into delectable squares and serve with a smile.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bake

• Use softened butter at room temperature for extra creamy, tender bars that melt in your mouth.
• Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to prevent them from drying out during baking.
• Smooth the batter with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness and consistent golden-brown edges.
• Reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweet treats or want to cut down on calories.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Variations to Add a Twist to Cookie Bars

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars: Replace raisins with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic sweet combination that kids and adults will love.
• Nutty Oatmeal Bars: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and rich, earthy flavor that complements the oats perfectly.
• Coconut Oatmeal Bars: Sprinkle shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical touch and subtle sweetness that enhances the cookie's texture.
• Maple Pecan Oatmeal Bars: Swap some granulated sugar with maple syrup and add toasted pecans for a warm, cozy flavor profile that screams comfort.

Pairing Suggestions for Cookie Bars

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Complement the cinnamon notes in the oatmeal raisin bars with a creamy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the cookie's warm spices.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by serving a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the slightly crisp, chewy bars.
• Serve with Caramel Macchiato: The rich, sweet caramel and espresso flavors will beautifully balance the wholesome, fruity profile of the oatmeal raisin bars.
• Enjoy with Cold Milk: Highlight the classic cookie experience by pairing the bars with a cold glass of milk, which cuts through the sweetness and enhances the oatmeal's nutty undertones.

Storage Tips for Keeping Bars Fresh

Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them cool and fresh by sealing tightly.

Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Label with the date to track freshness.

Place bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain texture.

Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

• Are these oatmeal raisin cookie bars healthy?

While they contain oats which offer some nutritional benefits like fiber, these bars are still a sweet treat with sugar and butter. They’re best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional dessert.

• Can I substitute the raisins with another ingredient?

Absolutely! You can swap raisins for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or other dried fruits to customize the bars to your taste preferences.

• Do I need any special baking equipment to make these bars?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a 9×13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and standard baking tools like a whisk and spatula.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Hearty oatmeal raisin cookie bars deliver sweet nostalgia with classic comfort. Chewy edges, warm spices, and rich raisins promise delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Fats, Flavor Enhancers, and Leavening Agents:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until smooth and well-integrated.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
6. Gently fold rolled oats and plump raisins into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an uniform layer across the surface.
8. Place pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and firm edges.
9. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into individual squares for serving.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the type and amount of sugar, using alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic option.
• Toast the oats briefly before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, richer dimension to the cookie bars.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutritional boost, which will complement the soft texture of raisins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg