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
Scale
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.
