Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are like a warm hug on a plate—soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying! You know that comforting aroma of cookies baking in the oven? That’s what makes these bars so special! They’re packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins, creating a perfect balance of chewy goodness and delightful sweetness. What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to whip up, making it a go-to for any occasion. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on these bars, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to make your oatmeal raisin cookie bars. I promise you’ll love how straightforward they are!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s really soft for easy mixing!)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy, just pack it down!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (trust me, this adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 2 cups rolled oats (the old-fashioned kind works best for that chewy texture)
- 1 cup raisins (feel free to adjust this if you like more or less sweetness!)
That’s it! Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delicious treat. You’ll love how easy it is to make these bars with items you probably already have in your pantry!
How to Prepare Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful oatmeal raisin cookie bars! It’s a breeze, and I promise, the end result is totally worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of chewy goodness in no time!
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step. While the oven heats up, you can get everything else ready!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s evenly mixed. This step is key because it helps distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the batter, so your cookie bars have that perfect flavor and texture!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, it’s time to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your bars rise nicely!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. You want that rich, creamy texture that makes your bars so delicious!
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your bars nice and tender!
Add Oats and Raisins
It’s time for the star players! Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins until they’re evenly distributed through the batter. This is where the magic happens—the oats give the bars their chewy texture, and the raisins add that wonderful sweetness!
Bake the Bars
Finally, spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan before cutting them into bars. This cooling time is essential; it helps them set up perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: You can whip up these cookie bars in just about 45 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests!
- Easy cleanup: With just a few bowls and a baking pan, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes. More time for enjoying, less time cleaning—that’s a win in my book!
- Packed with flavor: The combination of oats, raisins, and warm spices creates a deliciously satisfying treat that bursts with flavor in every bite. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
- Customizable: Want to add some nuts or chocolate chips? Go for it! These bars are super versatile, so you can make them your own. Mix and match to suit your taste and mood!
Tips for Success
To ensure your oatmeal raisin cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference!
- Watch the baking time: If you prefer chewier bars, take them out of the oven closer to the 25-minute mark. For firmer bars, let them bake a bit longer—up to 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on them; the edges should be golden brown, while the center might still look slightly underbaked. It’ll firm up as it cools!
- Don’t skip the cooling time: I know it’s tempting to dive right into those warm bars, but letting them cool in the pan is essential. This helps them set properly and makes cutting them into neat squares much easier.
- Consider adding nuts: If you’re a fan of a little crunch, mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans! They pair beautifully with the oats and raisins, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Experiment with spices: Want to shake things up? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or even some ginger for a different flavor profile. These spices can add depth and warmth to your bars!
- Store wisely: Keep your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, but I recommend letting them come to room temperature before enjoying to bring back that lovely chewiness.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up the most scrumptious oatmeal raisin cookie bars! Enjoy every bite, my friend!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! Just make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain that chewy goodness.
If you’d like to keep them for a bit longer, you can refrigerate the bars. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before indulging again, as this helps bring back that delightful texture.
Now, if you find yourself craving a warm treat later on, reheating is super simple! Just pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until it’s warm and gooey again. Ooh, the smell of cinnamon and oats will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be transported back to that fresh-baked bliss!
So, whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or after a little reheating, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime! Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values for each serving of these scrumptious oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on typical values, so your results might vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use!
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
These cookie bars are not only delicious but also provide a little bit of everything: carbs for energy, fiber for digestion, and a touch of sweetness to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy these bars as a treat, and feel good knowing they’ve got some wholesome ingredients in them!
FAQ About Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but I really recommend using rolled oats for that perfect chewy texture. Quick oats will give you a softer bar, but if that’s what you have on hand, go ahead and use them!
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you’re not a fan of raisins, there are plenty of delicious alternatives! Try using chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the bars!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that you love. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake!
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely double the recipe! Just make sure to use a larger baking pan and keep an eye on the baking time, as it might take a little longer to cook through. You’ll have more bars to share (or keep for yourself)!
For more tips on baking with oats, check out this Healthline article on the benefits of oats.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious dessert recipes, visit our dessert category for inspiration!
For a delightful pairing, consider making a creamy tomato basil soup to enjoy alongside your cookie bars!
Imprimer
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are chewy and satisfying treats packed with oats and raisins.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in oats and raisins.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- For added flavor, consider adding nuts.
- Adjust the baking time for chewier or firmer bars.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 26g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: oatmeal raisin cookie bars recipe
