Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Are you ready for a treat that offers warmth, comfort, and mouth-watering flavor all in one bite? Look no further than Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! These bars combine the wholesome goodness of oatmeal with the sweetness of plump raisins, creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Fun fact: oatmeal cookies date back to the 19th century when oats were often introduced into baked goods to enhance nutrition. The bars are a modern twist on this classic, making them perfect for families looking to enjoy a homemade dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

What makes these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars stand out is not just the delightful combination of flavors but also their ease of preparation. In under an hour, you can whip up a batch that the whole family will love. They’re great for lunchboxes, after school snacks, or just a cozy evening treat with a cup of tea. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

What is Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

So, what exactly qualifies as an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bar? Well, it’s like giving oatmeal cookies a cozy hug with a slightly chewy, dense texture. Imae luscious oats mingling with sweet, juicy raisins—all baked together into a lovely bar form that’s easy to slice and serve. You might be wondering who thought to bake oatmeal cookies into bars. Perhaps an innovative baker decided that cookies were great, but they could be even better with the simplicity of a bar! After all, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not make it easier for everyone? Dive into these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, and you might find that love isn’t the only thing in the air—luscious aromas of baking cookies will fill your kitchen, too!

Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

There are so many reasons to fall in love with homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! First and foremost, the chewy texture of oats combined with the sweetness of raisins creates an irresistible flavor combination that captivates all ages. Additionally, making these bars at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy a delicious dessert; store-bought treats often come with a higher price tag and artificial ingredients.

What’s more, these bars can be customized! Add some chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch or a sprinkle of cinnamon to give them an aromatic kick. If you enjoy baking, you might find similar joy in making a batch of classic Oatmeal Cookies — but these bars simplify the process, offering a delightful twist. So why not give the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a try today? You might just find them to be your new go-to treat!

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Quick Overview

Making Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is as easy as 1-2-3! In just about 25 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of baking time, you can whip these up for a delightful family dessert. The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity, with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, each bite offers a satisfying chew, complemented by the delightful sweetness of raisins. Let’s get started!

Key Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup raisins

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Be by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and light.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another mix.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended.
5. Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the oats and raisins until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Spread in the Pan: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into bars. Enjoy!

What to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars With

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk, making for a delightful classic. They also go wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a more substantial dessert experience, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—a combination that delivers both creamy richness and textural delight.

Top Tips for Perfecting Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

To elevate your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, here are some crucial tips:

• Oats Variety: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Quick oats can yield a denser bar that lacks the delightful chess.
• Don’t Overmix: When folding in the oats and raisins, make sure to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher bar.
• Customize Away: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a dash of cinnamon for added flavor and texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers (though they might not last long!), these bars can also be refrigerated for even longer freshness. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy them chilled for a different taste—which is just as delicious!

In conclusion, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are incredibly satisfying and easy to make, making them a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Try baking a batch today, and experience the warm, chewy delight that will have everyone coming back for more!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the wholesome goodness of oatmeal with the sweetness of raisins, offering a chewy texture and delightful flavor in a simple, easy-to-make recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Batter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar Granulated sugar helps achieve the right sweetness and texture.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's softened for easy mixing.
• 2 large eggs Adds moisture and helps bind the bars.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour All-purpose flour creates the structure of the bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Leavening agent to help the bars rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats Gives the bars their chewy texture.
• 1 cup raisins Adds sweetness and chess.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
3. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add vanilla extract and mix again.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just blended.
5. Gently fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
2. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These bars can also be refrigerated for longer freshness, and can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.