If you’re a fan of classic comfort desserts with a wholesome twist, the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars bring together the nostalgic flavors of soft, chewy oats and sweet raisins with just the right hint of cinnamon, all baked to golden perfection in a single pan. They’re easy to make, wonderfully satisfying, and perfect for sharing whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a casual snack break. Trust me, once you try this recipe, oatmeal bars might just become your new favorite treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to create its signature texture, flavor, and color. Each component is essential, from the creamy butter that adds richness to the cinnamon that adds a warm spice note.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and tender crumb to the bars.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds a balanced sweetness and helps with texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a chewy bite.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle aromatic sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base for the bars, ensuring they hold together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that complements the oats and raisins.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives the bars their hearty, chewy texture and nutty flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups raisins: The star ingredient for bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure your bars come out easily and hold their shape without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process incorporates air to give your bars a tender texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep a smooth and even batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses the bars with a lovely aromatic sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly dispersed for balanced flavor and texture.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet batter, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make the bars dense, so gentle folding is key.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Raisins
Add the rolled oats and raisins to the batter and stir until they are distributed evenly throughout. These add the signature chewy texture and sweet bursts that make these bars irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan so they set nicely before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, try sprinkling the bars with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate after they’ve cooled. A handful of chopped nuts on top before baking can add a delightful crunch and visual appeal as well.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bars with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a soothing herbal tea to complement the chewy sweetness perfectly. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties, or layer them between wax paper for a delightful take-along snack. You can also sandwich ice cream between two bars for an unforgettable dessert treat that will impress anyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These oatmeal raisin cookie bars store wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture for up to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Reheating
If you love your cookie bars warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toasting briefly in a low oven will bring back that fresh-baked goodness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute other dried fruits for raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or cherries make great alternatives if you want to mix things up while maintaining that chewy sweetness.
What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free version?
You can swap unsalted butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture but will still yield delicious bars.
How do I make these bars softer or chewier?
To keep the bars softer, reduce the baking time by a few minutes and be careful not to overbake. The moisture inside will help maintain a tender bite.
Can nuts be added to this recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans either mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top before baking adds a wonderful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Definitely. This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin and fits perfectly into a vegetarian lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly comforting about the flavors and textures packed into this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s simple to make but always feels special, perfect for both everyday treats and sharing with loved ones. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these bars as much as I do – they’re truly a sweet slice of happiness!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars made with a perfect blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and plump raisins. These bars are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to create the desirable texture in the bars.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to blend fully. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until combined evenly.
- Combine wet and dry mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined, to avoid overmixing.
- Stir in oats and raisins: Fold in the rolled oats and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread batter in pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 24 squares. This cooling step helps the bars to set properly.
Notes
- You can substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for some of the raisins to add a crunchy texture.
- For softer bars, reduce the baking time slightly and be careful not to overbake.
