Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe: 7 Reasons to Indulge

Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe: 7 Reasons to Indulge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup raisins

septembre 14, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these oatmeal raisin cookie bars! They’re like a warm hug right from the oven, perfect for satisfying that sweet craving at any time of day. I love how chewy and delicious they are—each bite is packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins that just dance on your taste buds. What I adore most is their versatility; they’re fantastic for a cozy family dessert or as a treat to share at gatherings with friends. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. You’ll find yourself making them for every occasion, and they always disappear in a flash!

oatmeal raisin cookie bars recipe - detail 1

Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins, plump and juicy

How to Prepare Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making these oatmeal raisin cookie bars! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly and develop that perfect golden brown crust. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes a world of difference!

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and has that lovely, airy texture. This process is key because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bars that delightful chewy texture!

Mixing in the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the large egg and the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. This step is super important as the egg acts as a binder, helping everything stick together and creating that rich flavor we all love!

Combining Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly mixed to avoid any clumps; this ensures that every bite is deliciously flavored. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—let’s keep that tenderness!

Folding in the Raisins

Now it’s time to fold in those plump, juicy raisins. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the batter without overworking it. Folding helps keep the mixture light and airy while ensuring those little bursts of sweetness are evenly distributed throughout the bars.

Baking the Bars

Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can give it a gentle poke; if it springs back, it’s ready to come out!

Cooling and Cutting

Once baked, let your cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential; it helps them firm up a bit, making cutting easier. After they’re fully cooled, slice them into bars and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness you’ve created!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make—perfect for a last-minute dessert!
Chewy and satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and raisins, so you can feel good about indulging.
Versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
One-bowl preparation means less mess and more time enjoying your treats!
These bars stay fresh and delicious for days, making them great for meal prep or snacks.
Customizable—add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your oatmeal raisin cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delicious outcome every time.

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your flour and oats correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry bars, while too little can make them gooey. I always use the spoon and level method for flour to avoid packing it down!
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together more smoothly, leading to a better texture in your bars.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and nobody wants that! Gentle folding is the way to go.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake! Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. They’re done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set—trust me, you don’t want to overbake them!
Cool Before Cutting: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting them cool for a bit will help them firm up. This makes cutting them into neat bars so much easier and helps maintain their shape!
Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t be afraid to play around! Adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of coconut can elevate these bars to a whole new level. Just be mindful of the ratios—too many add-ins can throw off the balance!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating oatmeal raisin cookie bars that are not just good but *fantastic*! Happy baking!

Variations of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Now, let’s have some fun and get creative with these oatmeal raisin cookie bars! The base recipe is fantastic as it is, but there are so many delicious ways to mix things up. Here are some of my favorite variations to try:

Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the chewy oats.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Swap out some of the raisins for chocolate chips or even mix in both! The melty chocolate adds a rich sweetness that takes these bars to the next level.
Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for cozy evenings.
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots instead of raisins. This adds a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness of the bars.
Coconut Craze: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist! It adds a chewy texture and a hint of coconut flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Peanut Butter Swirl: For a nutty flavor explosion, blend in 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter into the wet mixture before combining with the dry ingredients. Yum!
Maple Magic: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor profile. Just remember to reduce the butter slightly to balance the moisture.

Feel free to experiment with these variations or even come up with your own—baking is all about having fun and making it your own! Enjoy the process and create a bar that speaks to your taste buds!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk nutrition! While I’m not a nutritionist, I can give you a general idea of what to expect from these delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a ballpark figure.

Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown per serving (1 bar):

Calories: 180
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

These bars are not just tasty; they also pack a bit of fiber from the oats and raisins, making them a satisfying snack. Enjoy them in moderation, and feel great about indulging in this delightful treat!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these oatmeal raisin cookie bars? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I get, along with their answers to help you out.

Can I substitute the raisins with something else?

Absolutely! If raisins aren’t your thing, you can swap them for other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or even chopped apricots. You could also throw in some chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for a sweet twist!

How should I store the leftover cookie bars?

To keep your oatmeal raisin cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can pop them in the fridge, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture!

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. They’ll still turn out delicious and chewy!

What if I want to add nuts to the recipe?

Go for it! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can bring a lovely crunch to your bars. Just mix them in when you fold in the raisins. It’s a great way to boost flavor and texture!

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, these oatmeal raisin cookie bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about keeping those delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars fresh and tasty! After you’ve made a batch (which I know you will!), you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to maintain their chewy goodness.

For storing, simply place your cookie bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week, which is just enough time for you to enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before diving in for the best texture!

If you’ve made a big batch or just want to save some for later, these cookie bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a treat, just take one out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel again!

With these storage tips, your oatmeal raisin cookie bars will be just as delightful days later as they were when you first baked them. Enjoy every last crumb!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.