Irresistible Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe to Try

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the sweet treat that’ll make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. Imagine pulling a tray of warm, gooey bars out of the oven, the scents of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home, making you feel all fuzzy inside. These delightful squares are chewy yet satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any craving.

Now picture this: You’re at a family gathering, and everyone’s diving into their desserts. But then all eyes turn to you as you unveil your homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. The anticipation builds as they take their first bite, and suddenly, it’s like you’ve turned into a culinary superhero! Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a festive celebration, these cookie bars promise to bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion.

Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Old-Fashioned Oats: Use rolled oats for the best texture; they provide chewiness that complements the bars beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient that helps bind everything together; make sure to sift for lightness.
• Baking Soda: A teaspoon will help your cookie bars rise perfectly, giving them that soft and fluffy texture we all love.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of your bars without making them taste salty.
• Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth; it’s like a warm hug in each bite!
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; it gives richness and flavor.
• Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and caramel-like sweetness; dark brown sugar will give you an even deeper flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: A little extra sweetness goes a long way; this balances well with brown sugar.
• Eggs: They act as a binder for the ingredients; use large eggs for consistent results.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is key for that comforting flavor; it’ll make your cookie bars irresistible!
• Dried Raisins: These little nuggets add chewiness and natural sweetness; feel free to soak them in hot water for a plumper texture!

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

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an appropriate-sized baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together old-fashioned oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie bars.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. It should look like clouds on a sunny day—light but not too airy!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time into the buttery mixture followed by the vanilla extract until well combined. This magical mix is what dreams are made of!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold in your dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or your bars might turn into extra chewy bricks!

Step 6: Stir in Raisins

Finally, gently fold in those glorious raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Now you’re ready for baking magic!

Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about **25-30 minutes** or until golden brown around the edges. Cool slightly before slicing into squares.

Transfer to plates and enjoy these amazing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix your dry ingredients. Combine oats, flour, sugar, and spices first. Then, cream together the butter and sugars before incorporating eggs and vanilla. Finally, fold in the dry mixture and raisins for a consistent batter ready for baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap raisins for cranberries, chocolate chips, or even dried apricots for a fruity twist. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate flavors too. Want crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them warm later, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until they’re gooey again.

The first time I made these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars was during a family gathering; everyone devoured them! My cousin even declared them “life-changing” while reaching for another piece—nothing feels better than that kind of validation!

FAQs

What are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the chewy texture of oatmeal with the sweetness of raisins. Unlike traditional cookies, these bars are baked in a single dish, making them easy to cut into squares. They typically include ingredients like rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and spices, creating a hearty yet sweet treat. These bars are perfect for snacking or as a dessert option and can be enjoyed by many.

How do I store Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

To maintain the freshness of your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. You can also freeze these bars for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for the best texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can customize your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars by substituting ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you want to reduce sugar, consider using natural sweeteners like applesauce or honey. Additionally, feel free to swap raisins for other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots. Incorporating nuts or seeds can also add extra flavor and nutrition.

Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars healthy?

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars can be a healthier dessert option compared to traditional cookies, particularly when made with whole grain oats and reduced sugars. The oats provide fiber and essential nutrients while the raisins contribute natural sweetness along with vitamins and minerals. By controlling the ingredients used, you can create a version that aligns with your health goals while still being enjoyable.

Conclusion for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

In summary, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures that make them a favorite treat for many. They are easy to prepare and versatile enough for ingredient substitutions according to personal taste preferences. Proper storage helps maintain their freshness, ensuring you can enjoy them over several days. Whether as a snack or dessert, these cookie bars deliver satisfaction without compromising on healthfulness.

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy treat that brings the warmth of homemade baking to your kitchen. With their soft, gooey texture and delightful blend of oats and sweet raisins, these bars are perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Infused with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and vanilla, they will quickly become a favorite snack or dessert. Easy to prepare and customizable, these bars promise to satisfy your sweet cravings any time of the day.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried raisins

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently stir in raisins.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie bar (60g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg