If you’re craving a dessert that blends hearty oats, sweet raisins, and soft, chewy texture into one delightful treat, you absolutely must try this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe. It takes the beloved classic cookie and transforms it into an easy-to-cut bar format that’s perfect for sharing, packing in lunches, or just sneaking bites throughout the day. With a perfect balance of warm spices, caramel-like brown sugar, and the natural sweetness of raisins, these bars deliver comfort in every bite and are surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t overlook the power of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients in this recipe; each one plays a crucial role in the bars’ taste, texture, and appearance. From the rich brown sugar to the chewy oats, these elements come together beautifully to create something truly special.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep, rich flavor essential for that soft chew.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creamy base that brings richness and tenderness to the bars.
- Large eggs (2): Provide moisture and help bind all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Builds the structure that holds these bars together without making them tough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that ensures a light, airy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Old-fashioned oats (3 cups): The star ingredient that gives these bars their signature chewy bite.
- Raisins (1 cup): Little bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness throughout every bar.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to infuse that irresistible aroma we all love.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Gradually add your dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can compromise the texture, so be gentle here.
Step 3: Add Oats and Raisins
Fold in the old-fashioned oats and raisins gently but thoroughly. This part is where the magic starts to show—those oats will give each bite a chewy texture, and the raisins will pop with sweetness. Make sure the raisins are evenly dispersed so that every bar has a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are amazing on their own, consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for a little extra flair. A drizzle of honey or a smear of nut butter on top can also elevate the flavor and create a lovely contrast with the chewy texture.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or a frothy cappuccino, making them an excellent treat for cozy afternoons. For a heartier option, serve them alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt or fresh fruit to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by cutting the bars into bite-sized squares to serve at parties or as a snack box surprise. Layer them between parchment paper in a sealed container for a grab-and-go office or school snack. For a decadent dessert, warm a bar slightly and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out. If you want them a bit firmer, pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or when you want to keep a stash on hand. Wrap individual or pre-cut bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen bar, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back the freshly baked softness and enhances the comforting flavors of the oats and raisins.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins for other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can swap out raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries, depending on your flavor preference. Just make sure to keep the quantity similar to maintain the right texture and sweetness.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure your oats are certified gluten-free, as some oats can be cross-contaminated. This will give you delicious bars that everyone can enjoy.
How do I make the bars more chewy or crunchy?
If you want chewier bars, slightly underbake them by a couple of minutes and ensure you use old-fashioned oats rather than instant. For crunchier bars, bake a few extra minutes until the edges are deeply golden, but be careful not to dry them out.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make excellent additions that add texture and nutty flavor. Fold in about ½ to 1 cup along with the oats and raisins for the best results.
How thick should I spread the batter in the pan?
For the perfect thickness and texture, spread the batter evenly in a 9×13-inch pan. This size allows the bars to bake through properly without becoming too thick or too thin, resulting in the ideal balance of chewy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about baking a batch of oatmeal raisin cookie bars that not only tastes incredible but also fills your home with that warm, inviting aroma. This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again for its simplicity, nostalgia, and undeniable deliciousness. Give it a go, share it with your favorite people, and enjoy every chewy, sweet bite!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the chewy texture of oats with the natural sweetness of raisins in a convenient bar form. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This helps incorporate air and creates a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bars.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 12 bars. This helps them set properly and prevents crumbling.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough bars.
- For added texture, you can toast the oats lightly before adding.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a nut-free version, omit any optional nuts if added in variations.
