Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the comforting flavors of classic oatmeal cookies with the convenience of a chewy bar. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat anytime you want a bit of home-baked goodness without the fuss of individual cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins (plump and juicy)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
7. Step 7: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely before slicing.
9. Step 9: Slice into bars and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before folding them in, then drain well.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Make sure not to overbake; bars should be just golden to keep them soft inside.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats provide better texture and chew in these bars, but you can use quick oats in a pinch. The texture will be softer and less chewy.

What can I substitute for raisins if I don’t like them?

Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even mini chocolate chips as an alternative. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and sweetness.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 117 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the chewy heartiness of rolled oats with the sweet burst of raisins and a hint of warm cinnamon. Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a delightful twist on classic oatmeal cookies, perfect for snacking or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1 cup raisins (plump and juicy)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
6. Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts: Carefully fold in the rolled oats, plump raisins, and chopped walnuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Prepare for Baking: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
8. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into bars for serving to ensure they set properly.

Notes

• You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
• For chewier bars, slightly underbake by a minute or two, but ensure the center is set.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes prior to folding in if you prefer them more plump and juicy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Oatmeal raisin bars, cookie bars, oatmeal cookies, snack bars, homemade dessert