Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic cookies but want something easy to slice and share, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine chewy oatmeal packed with sweet raisins and a hint of cinnamon, all baked into a luscious bar that’s perfect for snack time, dessert, or whenever a little sweetness calls your name. Not only are these bars a breeze to make, but they also bring a comforting, homemade vibe that’ll make everyone reaching for seconds without hesitation. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a perennial favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are deceptively simple but come together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth in every bite. Each one plays a vital role, from the buttery richness and sweet depth to the chewy oats and plump raisins that make these bars so irresistible.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, rich base that lends moisture and tenderness.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep caramel sweetness and helps create that soft chewiness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with slight crispness on the edges.
• 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with its warm, fragrant aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the recipe, providing wholesome texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the bars their body while keeping them soft.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for softness without heaviness.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups raisins: Sweet, chewy pockets that bring bursts of fruity goodness.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty complexity.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for even baking. Next, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, which makes removing the cookie bars a total breeze and keeps everything clean and neat.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter together with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture looks creamy and smooth. This step is essential because it creates the foundation for those wonderfully tender and chewy bars everyone loves.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will fill your kitchen with that classic cookie scent that instantly makes you feel at home.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavors throughout every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can make the bars tough, so gentle folding is the secret to keeping them soft and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Raisins and Walnuts

Gently fold in the raisins and optional chopped walnuts. Those juicy raisins bring natural sweetness and chewiness, while walnuts add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.

Step 7: Spread Dough into Pan

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan and gently press it down to create an even layer. This step helps the cookie bars bake uniformly and achieve that perfect texture from edge to center.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time is perfect for getting a slightly crisp crust with that tender, chewy inside.

Step 9: Cool Completely Before Cutting

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is key because if you cut them too early, the bars might crumble or stick together instead of slicing perfectly.

Step 10: Slice and Enjoy!

Once cooled, slice your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars into squares, serve, and watch them disappear fast. The combination of flavors and textures here is pure comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a pretty finishing touch that also enhances flavor. You could even drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or honey for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert upgrade. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the chewiness and sweetness perfectly for any snack break.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the bars with slices of fresh apple or serving them alongside a small bowl of Greek yogurt and honey for an elegant snack plate. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter at parties for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and moist while maintaining their delightful chewiness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Before freezing, cut them into squares so you can thaw just the amount you want.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated bars gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300°F until soft. This brings back that freshly baked softness and blends the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates work wonderfully as alternatives. Each will bring its own unique flavor and sweetness to your bars.

What can I use instead of walnuts if I have a nut allergy?

You can simply omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, which add similar crunch without the risk of allergens.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This simple swap allows everyone to enjoy these delicious bars safely.

Why do my bars sometimes turn out crumbly?

Crumbly bars usually mean the dough was over-mixed or lacks enough moisture. Be gentle when combining ingredients and double-check your butter is softened properly for best results.

Can these bars be made vegan?

Yes! Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce to create a delicious vegan-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about a batch of homemade bars that are easy to make and impossible to resist. This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe has everything you want in a snack or dessert: chewy oats, sweet raisins, a touch of cinnamon, and that perfect soft texture. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your own friends and family—it’s truly a recipe that brings smiles and satisfies cravings every single time!

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