Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Irresistible

Cookie lovers, get ready for a soft, chewy, and incredibly delicious treat! These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars take everything you love about classic oatmeal cookies and turn them into thick, buttery bars packed with the perfect combination of warm cinnamon, juicy raisins, and hearty oats. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a homemade dessert, this easy and satisfying recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about the flavors of oatmeal raisin cookies—the rich, buttery taste, the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, and the chewy texture from oats and raisins. Now, imagine all of that baked into soft, thick cookie bars that require no scooping or chilling—just mix, spread, and bake!

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. They offer a slightly crisp edge with a soft and chewy center, making them an ideal dessert or snack. Plus, they’re great for meal prep since they stay fresh for days! Let’s get started with this mouthwatering recipe that will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Ingredients

To prepare these chewy and flavorful Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following:

For the Cookie Bars:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raisins

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly and ensures that your bars rise properly.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps create the perfect texture for soft and chewy bars.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense instead of chewy.

6. Fold in the Oats and Raisins

Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed. The oats provide a heartier texture, while the raisins add natural sweetness and chewiness.

7. Spread and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.

8. Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing them into squares. This allows them to firm up and makes cutting easier. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Raisins: If your raisins are dry or firm, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This keeps them plump and juicy.
Don’t Overbake: The bars will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when the center is slightly underdone to keep them chewy.
Chill for Firmer Bars: If you prefer firmer bars, let them cool completely before slicing. Chilling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape better.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips

To make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars even better, try these pro tips:

Use High-Quality Vanilla: A good-quality vanilla extract makes a huge difference in flavor.
Brown Sugar Adds Moisture: The molasses in brown sugar keeps the bars soft and chewy.
Try a Brown Butter Twist: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, brown the butter before mixing it with the sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with these serving ideas:

Serve Warm with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly with these bars.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel or honey adds extra indulgence.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars make an excellent breakfast or afternoon snack with your favorite hot drink.
Make an Oatmeal Bar Sundae: Layer the bars with whipped cream, nuts, and fruit for a fun dessert.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 90mg
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats give a chewier texture, while quick oats create a softer consistency.

Can I substitute the raisins?
Absolutely! Try using chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for variety.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use white sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of molasses as a substitute.

How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats for a safe alternative.

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Conclusion

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect mix of chewy, soft, and deliciously sweet. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this simple and foolproof recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try today, and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-spiced bite! 🍪💕