These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookies, baked into easy-to-serve bars with all the chewy goodness you love. With a perfect balance of oats, cinnamon, and raisins, these bars are not only a comforting treat but also a convenient option for snacks or dessert. Simple to make and baked to golden perfection, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars give you all the warm, comforting flavors of classic oatmeal raisin cookies but without the hassle of shaping dough into individual cookies. The texture is chewy, with a touch of sweetness from the raisins and a hint of spice from the cinnamon. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookie bars are ideal for any occasion, from a casual snack to a party dessert. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes, making them a go-to recipe for busy days.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the raisins.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16
Variations
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the raisins.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Swap out the raisins for chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist on the classic.
- Dried Fruit: Try adding dried cranberries or cherries instead of raisins for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Spiced Version: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra cozy, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze these cookie bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats provide a chewier texture, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that the texture might be a little softer.
2. Can I make these bars without raisins?
Yes, you can leave out the raisins or replace them with another add-in like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
4. How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on the edges. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for a few days, making them great for meal prep or for a treat throughout the week.
6. How can I make these bars even chewier?
For a chewier texture, try adding an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the dough. This will keep the bars soft and moist.
7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter. However, the flavor and texture may be slightly different from the original recipe.
8. Can I add more cinnamon for a stronger flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the cinnamon by a 1/4 teaspoon for an extra spicy kick.
9. How can I make these bars more filling?
To make the bars more filling, you can add some flaxseeds or chia seeds to the dough for extra fiber and nutrients.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as it may take a few more minutes to cook through.
Conclusion
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect easy dessert that combines chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon in every bite. These bars are quick to make, simple to store, and a great treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a snack, dessert, or something to share with friends, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are sure to become a favorite!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars offer all the comforting flavors of classic oatmeal raisin cookies in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. With chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes, they’re ideal for snacks, desserts, or meal prep!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the raisins.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Swap raisins for chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Dried Fruit: Use dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast.
- Spiced Version: Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
