Bake up a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, a chewy, buttery Easy Dessert bursting with warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and hearty oats. These no-fuss bars are quicker than scooping cookies, perfect for cozy snacks or sharing at gatherings. With a golden crust and nostalgic flavor, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful treat ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars recipe is a standout Easy Dessert:
- Quick Prep: No scooping; spread and bake in 30 minutes.
- Nostalgic Flavor: Like classic oatmeal cookies in bar form.
- Customizable: Swap raisins for chocolate or add nuts.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids, adults, and any occasion.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for convenience.
- I baked these for a family movie night, and they were the ultimate Easy Dessert hit!
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars (makes 16 bars):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup raisins
Ingredient Tips:
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best chew; avoid quick oats.
- Butter: Softened butter creams easily for a fluffy texture.
- Raisins: Soak in warm water for 10 minutes for plumpness.
- Cinnamon: Fresh spice ensures a warm, cozy flavor.
- Equipment: 8×8-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, hand mixer, spatula.
Directions for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Let’s bake these cozy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars!
Preheat Oven
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal, or grease lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, I whisk 1½ cups oats, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt until evenly combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, I use a hand mixer to cream 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients
I beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well-blended.
Combine and Fold
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. I fold in ¾ cup raisins, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
Spread and Bake
I spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. I bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Slice
I let the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour, then lift out using parchment and slice into 16 squares.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories: ~200 kcal per bar
- Macros per Bar: 25g carbs, 3g protein, 10g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Try these twists on Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars:
- Chocolate Swap: Replace raisins with chocolate chips or white chocolate.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth.
- Dried Fruit: Swap raisins for cranberries or chopped apricots.
Storage
I store Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for 10 days. For longer storage, I freeze bars in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. I warm individual bars in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
Serving Ideas
Make your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a delightful Easy Dessert:
- Classic: Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy Easy Dessert snack.
- Indulgent: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Portable: Wrap bars for lunchboxes or on-the-go treats.
- Garnish: Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.
- Party: Cut into smaller squares for a dessert platter.
FAQs :
What’s the best way to reheat these?
Pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter gives a richer flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges will be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
How should I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Use a larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but it might slightly affect the texture. Start by reducing ¼ cup and adjust to taste.
Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?
Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger adds a lovely depth of flavor.
More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Sorbet Recipe
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
- Strawberry Fudge Recipe
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
- Pear Dump Cake: A Sweet Summer Treat
Conclusion
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a chewy, nostalgic Easy Dessert that blends warm spices, sweet raisins, and hearty oats for a comforting treat. Quick to bake, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion, they’re a must-try for cookie lovers. Bake a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars today and savor the cozy goodness!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened – Adds richness and flavor to the bars.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Gives a deep caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base structure of the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warm cozy spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats – For a hearty texture.
- 1 cup raisins – Adds natural sweetness and chewiness.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the oats and raisins.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Serve and enjoy your soft and chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars!
Notes
- Swap raisins for chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fun twist.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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