These Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a perfect balance of chewy, wholesome oats and a touch of sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a snack or a dessert, these bars are the ideal option. Quick and easy to make, they’re bound to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love oatmeal cookies but don’t want to spend time shaping individual cookies, this recipe is for you! These oatmeal cookie bars are not only simple to make, but they also deliver that chewy, comforting texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The oats give them a wholesome feel, while the cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a breakfast treat, or a dessert, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter (or coconut oil), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Fold in the raisins or chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down evenly to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes to customize the flavor.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup or honey.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2 tablespoons water) and coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly option.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour to make these bars gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat them in a low oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars without raisins or chocolate chips?
Yes, the bars will be just as delicious without raisins or chocolate chips. You can also add your own favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and your oatmeal cookie bars will be gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2-3 months. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
4. How do I make the bars less sweet?
To make them less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
5. Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes, coconut oil works well as a substitute for butter and will give the bars a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you’re using a larger pan.
7. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, old-fashioned oats are perfect for this recipe and will provide the same chewy texture.
8. How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars should be golden brown and firm to the touch when they’re done baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. How do I make these bars more chewy?
For chewier bars, make sure not to over-bake them. If they’re still soft in the center when you take them out, they will firm up as they cool.
10. Can I use different spices in the recipe?
Feel free to experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or even pumpkin spice for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Conclusion
These oatmeal cookie bars are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and satisfying, making them an ideal snack, breakfast treat, or dessert. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bars in no time. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a quick pick-me-up, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
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Oatmeal Cookie Bars
These Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of chewy oats, warm cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, these easy-to-make bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, they’re bound to become a family favorite!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter (or coconut oil), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Fold in raisins or chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down evenly to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Notes
- Add-ins: Customize your bars with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes.
- Sweeteners: Reduce the brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2 tablespoons water) and coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the regular flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
