Irresistible Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe to Try

The aroma of freshly baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy blanket of nostalgia and sweetness. Imagine biting into a chewy, golden bar where the oats dance harmoniously with plump raisins, creating a texture that delights your senses. These bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, an afternoon snack, or simply rewarding yourself after surviving yet another workday.

As I sat down to recreate this beloved recipe, I was reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of baking cookies would lure us in like moths to a flame. The joy on her face as she served up these delightful treats was infectious, and I can’t help but feel a surge of happiness every time I whip up a batch myself. So grab your apron and prepare for an explosion of flavor that will take you straight back to those cherished moments.

Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Choose hearty oats for texture; they provide a robust base for our cookie bars.
• All-Purpose Flour: This flour helps bind everything together; sifting it can make your bars lighter.
• Baking Soda: A crucial leavening agent that gives the bars their rise and fluffy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for that deep caramel flavor that makes these bars irresistible.
• Granulated Sugar: This balances the richness of brown sugar and adds sweetness.
• Non-Dairy Butter or Coconut Oil: For a creamy texture without dairy; melted for mixing in easily.
• Eggs (or Flaxseed Meal): Eggs help bind the ingredients together; use flaxseed meal mixed with water if you prefer vegan options.
• Raisins: Plump raisins add natural sweetness; soak them in warm water for extra juiciness if desired.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an ungreased baking dish—9×13 inches works perfectly—and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. The mixture should look like sandy beach fun—just without the sunscreen!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, melt your non-dairy butter or coconut oil and let it cool slightly before adding eggs (or flaxseed mixture). Stir until fully blended; this gooey mix brings everything together like best friends at a reunion.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Mix until combined but avoid over-mixing; we want to keep those lovely oats intact! Gently fold in the raisins—think of them as little surprise bursts of joy hidden within each bar.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time—try not to eat all the raw batter!

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Once baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars (the size is entirely up to your snacking ambitions) and serve them up on a delightful platter!

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee—your taste buds will thank you later! Enjoy every crumb as you reminisce about simpler times in grandma’s kitchen while creating new memories with every bite.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you mix the dry ingredients. Combine the wet ingredients separately and then fold everything together. Bake until golden brown, allowing the bars to cool before slicing for perfect squares.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap raisins for chocolate chips or nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Get creative with your mix-ins to make these bars uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store your oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving.

I remember the first time I made these oatmeal raisin cookie bars at a family gathering. My cousin took one bite and declared them “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is high praise coming from a bread lover!

FAQs:

What are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the chewy texture of oats with the sweetness of raisins. These bars offer a wholesome alternative to traditional cookies and can be easily made at home. Using ingredients like flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter, they create a satisfying treat perfect for snacks or dessert.

How do I store Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

To keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Can I customize my Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can customize your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You might also try incorporating different dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots to change the flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness by using less sugar or opting for natural sweeteners.

Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars healthy?

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars can be a healthier option compared to other desserts, especially when made with whole grain oats and less sugar. Oats provide fiber and essential nutrients, while raisins add natural sweetness along with antioxidants. By making smart ingredient choices, you can enjoy these bars without compromising on nutrition.

Conclusion for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars:

In conclusion, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars offer a delicious and healthier dessert option that is simple to prepare. With their chewy texture and sweet flavor profile, they make an excellent snack or treat for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with various ingredients to find your perfect combination. Enjoy these delightful bars fresh or store them for later enjoyment!

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines chewy oats and sweet raisins, evoking feelings of nostalgia with every bite. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, these bars are perfect for family gatherings or as a well-deserved snack. Their golden color and satisfying texture make them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone will want to indulge in these homemade delights.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup non-dairy butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs (or 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water)
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
3. In another bowl, mix melted non-dairy butter with eggs (or flaxseed mixture) until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in raisins.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
6. Allow cooling completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

• Author: Emmeline
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.