If you’re craving a comforting treat that combines wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices, you have to try this delightful Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe. It takes all the nostalgic charm of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie and transforms it into a perfectly chewy, easy-to-share bar that’s ideal for snack time, dessert, or even a quick breakfast bite. Trust me, these bars are as inviting as they are delicious, with just the right balance of sweetness, texture, and that cozy cinnamon hint that keeps you reaching for one more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward but relies on ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the heartiness of old-fashioned rolled oats to the soft chew of raisins and a touch of cinnamon for warmth, every item lends its own magic to the final bars.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): For that signature chewy texture and wholesome goodness that makes these bars so satisfying.
- Flour (1 cup): Provides structure and ensures your bars hold together beautifully.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly, keeping them tender and light instead of dense.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A warm spice that adds subtle depth and a welcoming aroma.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings caramel-like sweetness and extra chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with a slight crisp top layer.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor and adds a sweet, fragrant note.
- Raisins (1/2 cup): Provide bursts of natural sweetness and contrast with the oat base.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan, which helps you get perfectly even bars that won’t stick when it’s time to cut and serve.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This blend is the dry backbone of the bars and setting it aside gets you primed to mix with the wet ingredients seamlessly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to infusing air into the dough, resulting in tender bars.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. The egg adds richness and moisture while the vanilla amplifies the overall flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures, Fold in Raisins
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Then gently fold in the raisins to make sure they’re evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
Step 6: Spread Dough in Pan
Transfer and spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake that will hold together as bars.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are a lovely golden brown. The aroma at this point will be simply irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set properly and ensures clean edges when cutting.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the bars for an elegant finish that makes them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert, or serve alongside a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized pieces and serving them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit or nuts, turning them into a charming treat platter perfect for parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Their moist and tender texture stays impressive without any refrigeration.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, gently reheat bars in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes. Warming brings out those comforting flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries work wonderfully, offering a different twist while maintaining that chewy, fruity surprise in each bite.
What type of oats work best for this recipe?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal because they hold their texture and absorb moisture well, giving you the perfect chew. Instant oats might make the bars too mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t blend properly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious.
How can I make these bars more moist?
Adding a tablespoon or two of applesauce or a bit more butter can make the bars softer and moister, though the original recipe already balances chewiness nicely.
Are these bars suitable for meal prep or lunchboxes?
Definitely! They’re sturdy, portable, and made with wholesome ingredients, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack or a sweet ending to any meal.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is like bringing a little bit of warmth and comfort into your kitchen, perfect for any time you want a sweet but satisfying treat. Once you whip them up, I bet you’ll agree these bars deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection — they’re just that good and ridiculously easy to make. So go ahead, bake a batch, and savor every heartfelt bite!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of oatmeal and raisins into an easy-to-make, chewy cookie bar. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they offer a delightful balance of cinnamon-spiced oats, soft raisins, and rich buttery sweetness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the large egg into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in Raisins: Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of raisins evenly throughout the batter, distributing the sweetness and chewiness in every bite.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 squares to serve. Cooling ensures the bars set properly and hold together well.
Notes
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake by removing at 18 minutes.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Substitute raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for variation.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap bars individually or in portions for up to 3 months.
