Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Let’s take a moment to talk about these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, shall we? If you love the warm, comforting vibes of oatmeal cookies, but prefer a faster, easier way to get that perfect chewy texture, then this recipe is for you. These bars are packed with oats, sweet raisins, and just the right hint of spice, all baked into a perfect, shareable form. Trust me, this dessert is going to be your new go-to when you need something cozy, delicious, and totally irresistible. The best part? They’re easy to make, so you’ll be snacking on these in no time!

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

This recipe isn’t just about mixing a few ingredients together—it’s about bringing joy and comfort into your kitchen and home. Whether you’re craving a simple treat or looking for something to share with family or friends, these bars fit the bill. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:

• Versatile: Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are perfect. They’re easy to slice into any portion size, so you can share them or keep them all to yourself!
• Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy supplies to create something delicious. No need to break the bank to indulge in a homemade treat.
• Quick and Easy: You won’t need to roll out dough or scoop cookies. These bars come together quickly, so they’re perfect for anyone, even if you’re short on time or just don’t want to fuss with complicated steps.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in different mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries if you’re feeling adventurous. Make them your own!
• Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are guaranteed to satisfy a wide range of taste buds. They have that perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and just a hint of spice, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

The beauty of these oatmeal raisin cookie bars lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:

Old-Fashioned Oats

The heart of the recipe. These oats give the bars that chewy, hearty texture that oatmeal lovers adore. Plus, they help hold everything together beautifully.

Raisins

Sweet and slightly tart, raisins provide the perfect burst of flavor in every bite. They’ll soften as they bake, giving the bars that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor, helping to make these bars soft and tender. You’ll want to make sure the butter is melted before mixing it in for the best consistency.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar gives these bars that deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances perfectly with the raisins and spices. It adds moisture too, which keeps the bars soft.

Flour

Flour helps bind everything together and creates the structure of the bars. It gives them that perfect texture that’s not too dense but just right.

Baking Soda

Baking soda gives the bars a little lift, helping them rise just enough to make them soft and chewy, without being too cakey.

Cinnamon

The warm, comforting spice that ties it all together. Cinnamon adds that cozy, spiced flavor you crave from oatmeal cookies, making every bite taste like home.

Egg

Egg helps to bind the ingredients together, providing structure to the bars. It also adds a rich flavor that complements the sweetness.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla adds a fragrant note that enhances all the other flavors in the bars. It brings everything together with its smooth, sweet flavor.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into how you can make these dreamy oatmeal raisin cookie bars!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your bars bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.

Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This ensures your bars won’t stick, and they’ll come out perfectly every time.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, melt the butter and whisk it together with the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. The sugar should dissolve easily into the butter, creating a smooth, caramel-like mixture.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and cinnamon. This step helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly throughout the batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined. You’ll get a thick, dough-like batter that’s perfectly spreadable.

Fold in the Raisins

Gently fold the raisins into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This is where you can get creative if you want to add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts!

Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let Cool and Slice

Once the bars are done, let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. This will help them set and make them easier to cut.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve these delicious bars warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a truly comforting treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 200

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your snack time:

• With a Glass of Milk: You can never go wrong with the classic combo of cookies and milk. These bars pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk.
• A Cup of Tea or Coffee: If you’re feeling a bit fancier, serve these bars with a hot cup of your favorite tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• A Scoop of Ice Cream: Feeling indulgent? Top a warm oatmeal raisin bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for the ultimate dessert.
• Fresh Fruit: Pair them with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a more balanced snack.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make these bars even better:

• Prep Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors develop even more!
• Customize the Mix-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for a twist.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well if you want to make a double batch for later!
• Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A1: While quick oats will work in a pinch, old-fashioned oats give the bars a better texture and chewiness, so I recommend using them if you can.

Q2: Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruit?
A2: Absolutely! You can use dried cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates in place of raisins. Just keep the measurements the same.

Q3: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go. Make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A4: Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition! Add about ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the raisins.

Q5: Can I make these bars in a smaller pan?
A5: You can! If you use a smaller pan, just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary depending on the pan size.

Q6: How do I store these bars?
A6: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the oatmeal raisin bars?
A7: Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a delicious addition to these bars. Just fold them in with the raisins.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! Just use a larger baking pan, and keep an eye on the baking time. You might need to bake a little longer depending on the size.

Q9: How do I make these bars chewier?
A9: To make the bars chewier, make sure not to overbake them. Also, using more brown sugar than white sugar can help enhance the chewy texture.

Q10: Can I skip the cinnamon?
A10: While cinnamon is a key part of the flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a more neutral flavor. You could also try substituting it with nutmeg for a different spice.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and spiced—just like your favorite oatmeal cookies but in an easy-to-make bar form. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting treat in no time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging in a snack, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth every time. Happy baking!

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