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
Scale
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.
