Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are like a warm hug in dessert form, with chewy oats and sweet raisins dancing together in perfect harmony. Just imagine biting into a soft, gooey bar that smells like freshly baked cookies, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The texture is a delightful blend of chewy and slightly crispy edges, making every bite an experience worth savoring.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What makes Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a healthier dessert option?
- How do I store leftover Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
- Can I customize my Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
- Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars suitable for kids?
- Conclusion for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- 📖 Recipe Card
These cookie bars bring back fond memories of baking with my grandmother on lazy Sunday afternoons. We’d whip up batches while sharing stories and laughter, the smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea, these bars promise to brighten any day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
- The flavor combination of oats and raisins creates a delightful sweetness.
- Their golden brown appearance makes them visually appealing on any dessert table.
- Versatile enough to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips!
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; they provide chewiness that complements the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: For structure, all-purpose flour binds everything together perfectly.
- Baking Soda: This helps the bars rise and gives them that delightful fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth and enhances the flavors; it’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.
- Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for moisture and a rich caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: A little granulated sugar balances the richness of brown sugar for just the right sweetness.
- Melted Coconut Oil: This replaces butter while adding a subtle coconut flavor; it keeps things dairy-free too!
- Eggs: They bind the ingredients together, ensuring you don’t end up with crumbled cookie bars.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and aroma; it’s the secret ingredient to elevate your bars!
- Raisins: These sweet gems are essential for that classic oatmeal raisin flavor; soak them in warm water if you want extra plumpness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure everything is mixed well; no one likes an oil slick!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in those lovely raisins—don’t be shy!
Step 5: Spread into Baking Dish
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly; get every corner because we don’t want any sad-looking ends!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—unless it’s covered in gooey deliciousness!
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow cooling before slicing into squares. Serve these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature; they’re delightful either way!
You Must Know
- These delightful oatmeal raisin cookie bars are not just a treat; they’re the ultimate dessert for any occasion.
- Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, they make your kitchen smell like a warm hug.
- Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the batter. Mix your dry ingredients first, then cream the sugars with butter before folding in oats and raisins. This sequence ensures even mixing and perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap raisins for chocolate chips or add a handful of nuts for an extra crunch. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookie bars a unique twist that suits your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use rolled oats for that authentic chewy texture in these cookie bars.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it could lead to dense bars instead of soft ones.
- Finally, let them cool completely before cutting into squares for the best presentation.
It was a rainy afternoon when I first made these oatmeal raisin cookie bars, and my friends declared them “the best thing ever.” Trust me; you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
FAQs:
What makes Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a healthier dessert option?
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a healthier choice compared to traditional cookies due to their wholesome ingredients. They contain oats, which provide fiber and can help with digestion. Additionally, using raisins adds natural sweetness and nutrients, while replacing refined sugars with honey or maple syrup can enhance both flavor and health benefits. This combination makes these bars not only delicious but also a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition.
How do I store leftover Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
To keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars fresh, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that freshly baked taste.
Can I customize my Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or substitute raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with spices too; adding cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste even further. Just keep the base recipe intact to maintain the desired texture while making these adjustments.
Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars suitable for kids?
Yes, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are an excellent snack option for kids! They are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients that provide energy and nutrients. The natural sweetness from the raisins makes them appealing to children, while the oats offer lasting fullness without excessive sugar. These bars are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks, making healthy eating enjoyable for young ones.
Conclusion for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine health and indulgence seamlessly. With fiber-rich oats and naturally sweet raisins, they serve as a nutritious dessert option without sacrificing flavor. Easy to make and customize, these bars are ideal for any occasion—whether as a quick snack or a delightful treat after meals. Store them properly, and they will remain fresh for days. Enjoying these bars means choosing a delicious path towards healthier snacking!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a deliciously comforting treat that combines chewy oats and sweet raisins in every bite. With a golden-brown exterior and a soft, gooey center, these bars capture the nostalgic essence of freshly baked cookies. Perfect for gatherings or as a cozy afternoon snack, they are simple to prepare and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and fold in raisins gently.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
