Description
These soft and chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the hearty texture of old-fashioned oats with sweet raisins and a hint of cinnamon. Perfectly balanced with a touch of brown sugar and optional walnuts for added crunch, these bars are an easy-to-make, delicious treat ideal for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth, ensuring the sugars dissolve and the mixture is fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air for softness. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt thoroughly to evenly distribute leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in Raisins and Walnuts: Gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts (if using) to evenly disperse throughout the dough.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down gently to create an even layer for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This helps them set and hold their shape.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve these delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars as a snack or dessert. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra chewiness, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before folding in, then drain thoroughly.
- Chopped walnuts add crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Do not overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy rather than dry or crumbly.
- Use parchment paper over greasing alone to ensure easy removal from the pan.
