If you’ve been searching for a comforting, delicious treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, look no further than this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are the perfect combination of chewy oats, plump raisins, and just the right touch of cinnamon spice, all baked into a soft, golden square. Whether you want a quick snack or a nostalgic dessert, this recipe brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create something absolutely irresistible. I’m so excited to share how easy and rewarding making these bars can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in crafting those perfect oatmeal raisin cookie bars. From the hearty oats to the warm cinnamon, each one adds layers of texture, flavor, or richness that make the bars unforgettable.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Provides chewy texture and wholesome flavor that oatmeal lovers crave.
- Flour (1 cup): The base that gives structure and balance to the bars.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy spice that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to enhance and brighten all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings richness and helps create that soft, delightful texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds deep, caramel notes and moisture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and makes the edges slightly crisp.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for perfect chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
- Raisins (1/2 cup): The star of the show, bringing bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This small prep work ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This blend forms the flavorful base that will add that signature texture and taste to your bars.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is key for creating that moist, tender bite and balancing sweetness.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugar until smooth and fully combined. These ingredients add body and a rich vanilla warmth that makes the bars so inviting.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until just combined. Then fold in the raisins, distributing these chewy, sweet gems evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6: Spread Dough in Pan
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface gently with a spatula or your fingertips to ensure even thickness so the bars bake uniformly.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want the edges to turn golden brown while the center stays soft and chewy for that perfect bite.
Step 8: Cool and Cut Into Bars
Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling lets the bars set and makes slicing easier, resulting in clean, bakery-worthy squares that are ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the bars are delicious on their own, try topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and a lovely visual contrast. You could also sprinkle a few toasted chopped nuts on top right before baking to add a pleasant crunch.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert upgrade. For a cozy snack, enjoy alongside a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk to balance their hearty sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for party platters or pack them as lunchbox treats. You can also sandwich two bars with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter in between for a fun twist everyone will love. These options elevate this humble treat into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain soft and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars fresh longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This restores their soft texture and enhances those comforting flavors, making you feel like you just baked them moments ago.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries work wonderfully as substitutes. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the perfect balance of sweetness and chew.
What if I don’t have old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can use quick oats in a pinch, but the texture will be a bit softer and less chewy. Avoid instant oats as they tend to become mushy when baked.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free too, and enjoy these delicious bars safely.
How do I get the bars softer or chewier?
To keep the bars extra soft, don’t over-bake. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden and the center looks set but slightly undercooked—it will firm up as it cools.
Are these bars suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?
Definitely! Their chewy texture and sweet flavor make them a hit with kids, plus they provide a good source of energy from oats and natural sugars. Just be sure to keep them packed well to avoid mess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the humble oatmeal raisin cookie, and turning it into these easy-to-make cookie bars makes that comfort even more accessible. This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Once you try it, I bet these bars will quickly become your go-to whenever you want a simple, delicious, and satisfying homemade snack. Happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars offer a deliciously soft and chewy texture packed with hearty oats and sweet raisins, blended with warming cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect as a wholesome snack or a comforting dessert, these bars are easy to make and baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until all components are just combined. Then fold in the raisins evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread and press the cookie dough mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch pan, smoothing the top to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are set.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened for easier creaming and a better texture.
- Using parchment paper in the pan helps prevent sticking and makes removing bars much simpler.
- You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.
- For added texture, consider stirring in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for extended freshness.
