If you’re craving a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, look no further than this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe. Combining the chewy goodness of traditional oatmeal cookies with the convenience of bars, these treats are bursting with cinnamon-spiced oats and plump raisins. They’re the perfect mix of soft and slightly crispy edges, making snack time or dessert something to truly look forward to. Once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, whether for a cozy afternoon or a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and simple ingredients, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is super approachable while delivering fantastic flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the hearty oats adding chewiness to the cinnamon giving a warm, cozy hint in every bite.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): These oats provide the signature chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base that holds everything together, giving structure to the bars.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds rich molasses notes and moistness for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Offers balance and a perfect touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Brings richness and helps create a tender dough.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add a light, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a sweet aroma.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm spice that makes every bite comforting and aromatic.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft yet sturdy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors.
- Raisins (3/4 cup): Naturally sweet bursts that contrast perfectly with the oats.
- (Optional) Glaze – powdered sugar, milk, vanilla: Adds a silky, sweet finish when drizzled over cooled bars.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. A lightly greased pan and parchment ensure your bars lift out easily, preserving those beautiful edges and providing a clean cut when serving.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookie bars tender and slightly airy rather than dense.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These wet ingredients bring moisture and flavor while binding the mixture perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these together separately prevents clumps and ensures the cinnamon and baking soda are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture throughout your bars.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make the bars tough, so keep it gentle to maintain a tender bite.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins, which add the signature chewiness and natural sweetness that make this recipe so special. This final mix guarantees every bar has the perfect balance of textures.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Proper baking gives you that irresistible combination of soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Glaze
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. If you’d like a touch of extra sweetness, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze, then drizzle it over the bars. This glaze adds a lovely, glossy finish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of the optional vanilla glaze can add a sweet touch and eye-catching shine. For a festive twist, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few extra raisins on top right after glazing.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert or alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. Their cozy flavors complement creamy and spiced beverages wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving them at a gathering, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit and nuts. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes delightful homemade gifts or treats to pack in lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and chewy while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy soft, warm bars after refrigeration or freezing, simply microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives their fresh-from-the-oven texture and aroma perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins for another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries all work wonderfully in this recipe, offering slightly different flavors and a similar chewy texture.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these bars without worry.
Can these bars be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and replace the eggs with flax or chia egg equivalents. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.
What’s the reason for using both brown and granulated sugar?
Combining brown and granulated sugar balances moisture and sweetness while contributing a depth of flavor. Brown sugar adds softness and caramel notes, whereas granulated sugar helps with crispness.
Why do I need to let the bars cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows the bars to set and firm up, making them easier to cut without crumbling. Slicing them too soon can result in messy, uneven pieces.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a delight to make and enjoy. Its simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, chewy, and flavorful treat that’s perfect any time of day. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch how quickly these bars become a favorite in your home. Whether for a quick snack or a cozy dessert, they bring the best of traditional oatmeal raisin cookies in an effortless bar form you’ll love.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the chewy goodness of rolled oats and plump raisins with warm cinnamon and a light vanilla glaze option. Perfectly baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes, these bars make a delightful, easy-to-make treat for snack time or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup raisins
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugars
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. If desired, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to make a glaze, then drizzle over the cooled bars.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cookie bars into 12 squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade oatmeal raisin cookie bars!
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix once adding dry ingredients to keep bars tender.
- For a chewier texture, soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding.
- Glaze is optional but adds a delightful sweet touch.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nutty flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
