Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the heartiness of oatmeal with the sweetness of raisins, all in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a comforting snack, these bars will satisfy your cravings. They are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a cozy dessert with a warm cup of tea or coffee. This article will guide you through making these delicious cookie bars and show you why they will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars:

Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cookies that require forming individual pieces, these bars come together quickly in one pan, making them perfect for busy bakers.
Chewy and Delicious: The combination of oats and raisins creates a chewy texture that is both satisfying and comforting.
Versatile: You can enjoy these bars as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on-the-go. They are surprisingly nutritious, too!
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut, the possibilities are endless.
Nostalgic Flavor: These bars remind many of the classic oatmeal raisin cookies from childhood, bringing back fond memories of home baking.

How to Prepare Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Making Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is simple and requires only a few steps. Follow along as we detail the ingredients and instructions to create this scrumptious treat.

Ingredients

To make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup of brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
3 cups of old-fashioned oats
1 cup of raisins
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Now, let’s get started on making Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! Follow these simple steps:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for baking the bars evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the bowl, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). This helps ensure there are no lumps and that the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
Add Oats and Raisins: Fold in the oats and raisins, mixing until everything is well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Serving Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is easy and fun. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. Here are some ideas for serving:

With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing quite like a warm cookie bar paired with a cold glass of milk. This classic combo is a favorite among children and adults alike.
As a Dessert: Serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. The warm texture of the bars pairs wonderfully with the cold ice cream.
With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bars with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Packed for Lunch: Slice the bars into smaller pieces and pack them in lunchboxes for a tasty snack during the day.

How to Store Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Proper storage ensures that your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars stay fresh and delicious for longer. Here’s how to store them:

Room Temperature: Keep the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. This will help them retain their moisture and chewy texture.
Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to a week. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips for Preparing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time:

Use Old-Fashioned Oats: For a chewier texture, be sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. Quick oats tend to make the bars softer and less chewy.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. Just remember that sugar also helps with moisture, so don’t cut it too much.
Add Mix-Ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to add more texture and flavor to your bars.
Don’t Overbake: To keep your bars chewy, avoid overbaking. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out when the edges are golden, and the center looks set.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes it easy to lift out the bars for cutting and serving.

Variation

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations for your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars:

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mix for a delicious chocolate twist.
Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
Coconut Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Incorporate 1 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mix for a spiced version that warms your soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to also use gluten-free oats.
Can I use different dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can use dried cranberries, chopped dates, or any dried fruit you prefer. Just chop larger pieces into smaller bits for even distribution.
Why did my bars turn out dry?
Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so be sure to monitor the baking time closely. Also, make sure you measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the bars dry.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are sure to please everyone who tries them! Now that you have the recipe and tips, it’s time to get baking. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as they bake, and enjoy every chewy, flavorful bite!