Introduction
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the warm, comforting flavors of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! These bars bring together the classic taste of oatmeal cookies with chewy raisins and a hint of cinnamon, all baked into a convenient bar form. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a delightful dessert, these cookie bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy and Delicious: The combination of oats and raisins creates a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time and one bowl needed, these bars are a breeze to make.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—great for any time of day!
- Customizable: Easily add nuts, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients List
- ✔️ 🔹 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ✔️ 🔹 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- ✔️ 🔹 2 large eggs
- ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ✔️ 🔹 2 cups rolled oats
- ✔️ 🔹 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ✔️ 🔹 1 cup raisins
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Oats and Flour: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in Raisins and Nuts
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the raisins and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cookie Bars
- Spread in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Cut
- Let Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try toasting the oats in the oven for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter!
Variations & Substitutions
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a delicious twist on the classic flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries for a fruity variation.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes! Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be slightly different—less chewy and more soft.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful, chewy treat that everyone will love. With their comforting flavors and easy preparation, they are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your baking adventure! 🍪🥣✨
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a chewy, delicious twist on the classic cookie! Packed with oats and sweet raisins, they’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert that everyone will love! 🍪✨
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Spread in Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! 🍪❤️
