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
Scale
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.
