Oh, let me tell you about these oatmeal raisin cookie bars! They’re like a warm hug in dessert form, chewy and satisfying, with that delicious blend of oats and sweet raisins that just feels like home. If you love the classic oatmeal raisin cookie, imagine it in a bar form—easy to make, easy to share, and even easier to devour! You get that hearty texture from the oats combined with the buttery richness of the cookie dough, and those little bursts of sweetness from the raisins are just heavenly. Trust me, once you try this oatmeal raisin cookie bars recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for snacks, dessert, or even a cozy breakfast treat. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Before we dive in, let’s gather everything you need for these delightful oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Having your ingredients ready makes the process so much smoother! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups rolled oats – these give the bars that chewy texture we love.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – to help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – for that perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – for a rich, molasses-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – to add a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – because butter makes everything better!
- 1 large egg – to keep our bars nice and moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that extra layer of flavor.
- 1 cup raisins – the star of our show, adding sweetness and chewiness.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create something truly delicious!
How to Prepare Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and whip up these tasty oatmeal raisin cookie bars! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to fold it in gently; this keeps the oats intact and avoids overmixing. Once combined, fold in those delightful raisins. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit thick; that’s what gives these bars their satisfying chew.
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and you can smell that sweet, warm aroma filling your kitchen. Let them cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your oatmeal raisin cookie bars turn out perfectly, keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens can vary, so check them at the 25-minute mark. If you want extra chewy bars, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. And don’t hesitate to add your favorite nuts or even a handful of chocolate chips for a little twist! They’ll be a hit, trust me!
Nutritional Information
These delightful oatmeal raisin cookie bars are not only tasty but also a great option for a quick snack! Each bar is estimated to have around 150 calories, with 6g of fat, 2g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get 2g of fiber to help keep you satisfied. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but it’s a delicious treat you can feel good about indulging in!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the raisins?
Absolutely! If raisins aren’t your thing, you can easily swap them out for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots. You could even go for chocolate chips or nuts for an extra crunch. Just remember, if you’re using something really sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar a bit to balance the flavors.
How should I store the cookie bars?
To keep your oatmeal raisin cookie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week. If you live in a humid area, you might want to pop them in the fridge to prevent any unwanted moisture. Just let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze oatmeal raisin cookie bars?
You bet! These cookie bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a bit. Perfect for when those late-night snack cravings hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip these up in just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Satisfying taste with a perfect blend of chewy oats and sweet raisins.
- Great for snacks, dessert, or even a cozy breakfast treat.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for sharing or freezing for later indulgence!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some of the ingredients in this oatmeal raisin cookie bars recipe and what you can use instead if you’re in a pinch! For the rolled oats, quick oats can work too, but they’ll change the texture a bit—less chewy, more tender. If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but keep an eye on the moisture as it might require a touch more liquid.
As for sugars, you can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more caramel-like taste. And if you’re not a fan of raisins, try using dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even some chocolate chips for a decadent twist! Just remember, each substitution can change the final flavor and texture slightly, so adjust your expectations accordingly!
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are perfect on their own, but let’s take them to the next level! Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk for that classic combination, or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert treat. They also make a fantastic complement to a warm cup of coffee or tea, adding a cozy touch to your afternoon snack. Trust me, each bite will be even more enjoyable with these pairings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your oatmeal raisin cookie bars at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can also refrigerate them to extend freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them come to room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. They’ll be just as delicious as the day you baked them!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe for Heartwarming Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for oatmeal raisin cookie bars that are chewy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars can be frozen for later use.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: oatmeal raisin cookie bars recipe
