Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

If you love oatmeal cookies but are in the mood for something a little easier to serve up, these oatmeal raisin cookie bars are the perfect solution. Trust me, you’re going to love these! They’ve got all the chewy, spiced, raisin-filled goodness of a classic oatmeal cookie, but in bar form—making them super convenient to grab and go, or share with friends at a gathering. These bars are everything you want in a treat: comforting, sweet, and just the right amount of texture. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars This recipe is a game-changer when you want a quick, fuss-free treat without sacrificing any flavor. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with these bars:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a family snack, a last-minute dessert for a gathering, or a midday pick-me-up, these oatmeal raisin cookie bars are perfect for any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe keeps things simple and affordable, but still delivers on taste and texture.
• Quick and Easy: No chilling, no rolling—just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s perfect for when you want homemade cookies without the extra effort.
• Customizable: Love chocolate? Throw in some chocolate chips. Want a nuttier version? Add walnuts or pecans. You can easily make these bars your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves oatmeal cookies, and when you turn them into easy-to-serve bars, you’ve got a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind these oatmeal raisin cookie bars—they’re made with simple ingredients, yet the combination creates a flavor-packed treat that’s irresistible:

• Rolled Oats: The base of these bars. They give that satisfying chewy texture and provide a nutty, wholesome flavor that’s perfect with the sweet raisins.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the bars structure and holds everything together.
• Baking Powder: For a little rise and soft, chewy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds that comforting, warm spice that makes oatmeal cookies so delicious.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Butter: This is what makes them rich and tender. Butter is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Sugar: A combination of brown and granulated sugars gives the bars a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla makes everything come together beautifully, adding warmth to the flavor.
• Raisins: Of course, the raisins are the star here, adding a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
• Optional Add-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans for a twist.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions Let’s jump into the steps to make these oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Trust me, they’re simple!

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your bars bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the soft texture of your bars.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This makes the batter smooth and rich.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bars tender.
6. Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in the rolled oats and raisins (and any optional add-ins). You want everything evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
7. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps the bars come out perfectly.
8. Assemble and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. The cooling process lets the flavors set, making them even more delicious.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple pairings:

• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: There’s something about the warmth of tea or coffee paired with the chewiness of these bars that makes for the perfect snack break.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Treat yourself by serving these bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
• On the Go: Pack them for a quick breakfast or snack on the go. They’re portable and perfectly portioned.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars store beautifully. You can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap the raisins for dried cranberries, or add some coconut flakes for extra texture.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Just wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the raisins with something else?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap out the raisins for dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or even nuts. Get creative!

Q2: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A2: While rolled oats give the best texture, quick oats will work too. Just keep in mind the texture might be a little different.

Q3: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results.

Q4: How should I store these bars?
A4: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 3 months!

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just double the ingredients and bake them in a larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Q6: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A6: Yes! Walnuts or pecans would be a great addition. Just fold them into the batter when you add the oats and raisins.

Q7: Can I make these without eggs?
A7: Yes, you can use a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for the eggs.

Q8: Can I make these bars vegan?
A8: Absolutely! Swap the butter for vegan butter and use a flax egg or chia egg. They’ll turn out just as delicious!

Q9: How can I make these bars more chewy?
A9: If you want a chewier texture, try using more brown sugar or add a little honey or molasses to the batter.

Q10: Can I add chocolate chips?
A10: Yes! Chocolate chips will make these bars even more irresistible. Mix them in with the oats and raisins.

Conclusion
These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are everything you want in a sweet treat—simple, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. So, go ahead and give them a try! You won’t regret it.

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