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
Scale
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.
