Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
If you crave the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a classic oatmeal cookie but want something that’s easier to slice and share, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with chewy oats, plump raisins, and a hint of warm cinnamon, this recipe transforms everything you love about the original into a delightful bar format that’s perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. They deliver the perfect balance of soft, tender crumb and just enough chewiness to satisfy every bite, and once you try these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, I promise they’ll become a staple in your baking lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You really only need a handful of pantry basics to make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars shine, and each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. From the rich brown sugar for sweetness and moisture, to the hearty oats that give each bite that signature chew, everything here is simple but essential.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure so the bars hold together without being tough.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise nicely, keeping them light and airy.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the raisins.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes and keeps the bars moist.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and crispness.
- Unsalted butter: Gives richness and buttery flavor while tenderizing the bars.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with sweet floral notes.
- Rolled oats: The star ingredient providing that hearty, chewy texture and wholesome character.
- Raisins: Little bursts of natural sweetness that add chew and contrast.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, or better yet, line it with parchment paper—it makes lifting out the bars a breeze once they’re baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly spread, which helps the bars bake uniformly and develop that classic flavor.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you have a creamy, smooth mixture. This step is crucial because it aerates the batter and helps your bars stay soft but not dense.
Step 4: Incorporate eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to keep the batter smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract to bring out the warm aromatic notes that tie this cookie bar together.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so be gentle here.
Step 6: Fold in oats and raisins
Finally, fold in those rolled oats and juicy raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step gives each bar its characteristic chew and sweet bursts that make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars irresistible.
Step 7: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell coming from your oven at this point will be pure magic!
Step 8: Cool and cut
Let the bars cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment paper or cut directly in the pan if you skipped the lining. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 12 equal bars—this ensures they set up perfectly and don’t crumble.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Garnishes
While these bars are fantastic straight from the pan, a little extra flair never hurt anyone. Try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crackly crown or drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate once cooled to add a decadent touch.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded snack or dessert, serve these bars alongside a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit, like apple slices or a handful of berries, can also lighten the indulgence and complement the cinnamon and raisin flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re taking these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars to a party, slice them smaller for bite-sized treats and display on a colorful platter. You can also sandwich a little cream cheese frosting between two bars for a fun twist that tastes like a cookie bar sandwich. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed keeps moisture in, ensuring each piece stays soft and chewy instead of drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold their texture and flavor for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
If you like your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a little warm, a quick zap in the microwave for about 15 seconds does the trick nicely. It softens the bars and brings out all the cozy cinnamon and raisin notes like fresh-baked moments all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates are wonderful alternatives and bring their own unique flavors to these bars. Just use the same quantity to keep the texture balanced.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the structure of your bars.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the chewiness of the oats and sweetness of the raisins. Fold about half a cup into the batter before baking.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The edges should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye after 20 minutes.
Can I make smaller, cookie-sized portions instead of bars?
Sure! If you prefer traditional cookies, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a lined baking sheet and bake at the same temperature, reducing the time to about 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they will bake faster.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so incredibly comforting about these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars that makes you feel right at home with every bite. They blend simple ingredients into a wholesome treat that’s easy to make, share, and enjoy any time of day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how addictive these bars can be—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your friends and family will keep asking for more!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars that combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and plump raisins. Perfect for an easy dessert or snack, these bars bake up golden and moist with a delightful texture from rolled oats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and well combined, creating a smooth batter base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the bars tender.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins: Carefully fold in the rolled oats and raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
- 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 Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, if you used parchment paper, lift the bars out for easier cutting. Otherwise, cut directly in the pan once cooled completely on a wire rack. Slice into 12 equal bars and enjoy.
Notes
- For chewier bars, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for variation.
- Storing bars in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Make sure butter is softened (not melted) for best creaming results.
- Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Oatmeal raisin bars, easy dessert bars, chewy cookie bars, cinnamon oat bars, homemade snack bars
