Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for when you crave something both cozy and satisfying. These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with hearty oats and sweet raisins, making them the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Picture biting into a warm, gooey square that’s golden on the edges, with the perfect balance of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla. These bars are everything you love about oatmeal cookies but in a fun, easy-to-make bar form. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to for any occasion. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are everything you want in a dessert: comforting, delicious, and super easy to make. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

Simple and Quick

No dough chilling required, and they come together in one bowl. That means less mess and more time enjoying the warm, soft bars once they’re out of the oven.

Comforting Flavor

With the nutty oats, plump raisins, and a touch of cinnamon, these bars hit all the right notes for that warm, comforting dessert you crave after a long day.

Great for Sharing

Whether you’re taking them to a potluck, sharing with friends, or just enjoying them as a family, these bars are easy to cut into squares and serve.

Customizable

Feel free to mix things up! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast, or swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a twist.

One-Bowl Wonder

No need to dirty a bunch of bowls—just mix everything in one, pop it in the oven, and you’re done. Simple and stress-free!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these comforting and sweet oatmeal raisin cookie bars:

• Old-Fashioned Oats: The heart of these bars. They add texture and chewiness, making every bite feel satisfying.
• Flour: Gives the bars structure and helps bind everything together.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the oats.
• Butter: Creates a soft, tender texture while contributing richness and flavor.
• Eggs: Help hold everything together and create a moist, chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth and enhances the flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and stay soft.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that brings out the cozy, comforting flavors in the bars.
• Raisins: The classic add-in for oatmeal cookies, adding sweetness and a little chew.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Making these oatmeal raisin cookie bars is simple! Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until combined, but be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Raisins

Add the raisins to the batter and gently fold them in, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 200
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are perfect for any occasion, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea are the ideal drinks to pair with these sweet, chewy bars.
• Milk: You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk—especially if you’re indulging in these bars as a snack or dessert.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve these bars with a side of fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a slightly lighter touch.
• Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side.

Additional Tips

• Substitute the Raisins: If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to swap them out for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts for added crunch.
• Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg to make these bars vegan-friendly.
• For Extra Softness: If you prefer a softer bar, reduce the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness by gently pressing the center.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A1: You can, but old-fashioned oats will give you a chewier, heartier texture. Quick oats will work, but the bars may be a bit softer.

Q2: Can I make these bars without raisins?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different twist.

Q3: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour and be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q4: How can I make these bars more flavorful?
A4: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of warmth, or toss in some shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

Q5: Can I use brown sugar substitutes?
A5: You can try using a brown sugar substitute, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor slightly. Regular brown sugar gives the bars a nice richness.

Q6: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A6: You can use white granulated sugar, but brown sugar provides a richer flavor and softer texture, which is why it’s preferred for oatmeal bars.

Q7: How do I know when the bars are done?
A7: The bars should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Q8: Can I freeze the bars?
A8: Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Q9: How do I store leftover bars?
A9: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you double the recipe, you’ll need to use a larger pan (like a 13×9-inch or even a 9×13-inch pan) and adjust the baking time slightly. Just keep an eye on them as they bake.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are an absolute treat—chewy, sweet, and full of comforting flavor. Perfect for any time of the day, they’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a dessert, or something to share with friends, these bars will definitely hit the spot. Enjoy every warm, gooey bite!

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