If you have a sweet tooth but love the wholesome texture of oats, then this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the perfect harmony of chewy oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet bursts of raisins all packed into convenient bars that are easy to slice and share. These bars deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional oatmeal raisin cookies but in a simpler, speedy form that’s perfect for any time you crave a cozy treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is both straightforward and essential. Each component plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and inviting aroma of these bars.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide hearty chewiness and a nutty depth to the bars.
- Flour: Gives structure and helps the bars hold together nicely without being too dense.
- Baking soda: Acts as a gentle leavening agent to keep the bars light and tender.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, fragrant spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for depth.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the necessary sweetness and aids in browning.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together for perfect bar texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely sweet aroma and rounds out the flavor.
- Raisins: Offer bursts of natural sweetness and chewy contrast throughout.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures it’s at the perfect baking temperature once the batter is ready. Grease and line an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so your bars come out clean and intact every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix lays the foundation for your oatmeal raisin cookie bars, ensuring the spices and leavening are distributed evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it builds the base for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right sweetness.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. These ingredients enrich the batter with moisture and add that signature cookie flavor you’ll adore.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the dry oatmeal mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense bars, so fold everything gently.
Step 6: Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins, dispersing them throughout the batter. These sweet morsels are what make this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe so charming and full of bursts of flavor!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the bars turn a lovely golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them, as ovens vary!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set up nicely and makes cutting them into perfect squares a breeze without crumbling.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving to highlight the warm spices. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes these bars look extra inviting, especially if you’re serving them at a get-together.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a cozy snack, enjoy them beside a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the cinnamon and raisin flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your cookie bars into bite-size pieces and serve them on a decorative platter for your next party. Layer them with fresh fruit or nuts on a dessert board for a sophisticated look. You can even sandwich them with your favorite frosting or nut butter for an irresistible twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them sealed well to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
Freezing
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can always have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight at room temperature, then warm briefly in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked experience. A quick 15-second zap in the microwave brings back the gooey texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins for another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries make fantastic alternatives and each adds its own unique flavor twist to the bars.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious treat.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown around the edges and set in the center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide better texture and chewiness, but quick oats can work in a pinch. Expect a somewhat softer and less textured bar when using them.
What’s the best way to cut the bars evenly?
Use a sharp knife and cut the bars once completely cooled. Wiping the knife blade clean between cuts will help achieve neat, uniform squares.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that brings comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these bars hit all the right notes of flavor and texture. Give them a try and watch how they quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars that combine wholesome old-fashioned oats and sweet raisins for a perfect snack or dessert. These bars are easy to make, featuring a balanced blend of warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla, baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
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 brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the bars.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Then gently fold in the raisins for bursts of sweetness throughout the bars.
- Spread Dough: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares to ensure they hold together perfectly.
Notes
- For chewier bars, slightly reduce baking time and monitor closely.
- You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries if preferred.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
