Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup raisins

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If you’re looking for the perfect treat that bridges the gap between a chewy oatmeal cookie and an easy-to-make bar, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are it! Packed with plump raisins, hearty oats, and a touch of cinnamon, each square manages to hit every sweet, cozy note you crave in a classic cookie—only in handheld, shareable form. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, prepping snacks for the week, or just want a nostalgic bake that makes your kitchen smell amazing, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars deliver big on both taste and comfort.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is refreshingly simple, yet each component is essential to achieving the signature chewy texture and classic flavors. It’s the harmony among butter, oats, sugar, and raisins that creates something truly irresistible. Here’s how each one brings magic to your bars:

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds rich, creamy flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture every great cookie bar needs.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar delivers caramel notes and chewiness, making these bars perfectly sweet and moist.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of white sugar balances the brown sugar for just the right sweetness and a tender crumb.
Eggs: Two large eggs bind the mixture together, ensuring a soft and cohesive bar that doesn’t crumble apart.
Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, aromatic backdrop that rounds out every bite of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for structure—enough to hold the bars together without making them cakey.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a delightful lightness.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors, making every ingredient shine.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice that pairs so well with oats and raisins.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star of the show, rolled oats add hearty chew and a rustic, wholesome appeal.
Raisins: Their sweetness and chewiness create the nostalgic, classic cookie bar experience we all love.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures you’ll get an even bake and those irresistibly golden edges. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or, for easy removal and clean-up, line it with parchment paper. That extra step makes all the difference when it’s time to slice the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or the paddle attachment on your stand mixer, beat everything together until the mixture is light, creamy, and just a little fluffy. This aeration is crucial for the perfect texture later on!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to fully incorporate them without overmixing. Next up: pour in the vanilla extract. The aroma alone at this point will have you dreaming of the finished bars.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step distributes the flavors and leavening agents evenly, so every bite of your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is just right.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to keep the bars tender. Now, fold in the rolled oats and raisins—this gives the dough incredible texture and ensures those raisins are dotted throughout every single bar.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly, reaching all the corners for an even bake. Bake on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the surface turns beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean—with maybe just a crumb or two.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This patience pays off! Cutting too early can result in crumbly bars, but a cool pan makes for perfect squares, ready to serve or store.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For that bakery-style flair, dust a pinch of powdered sugar over the bars or drizzle with a little vanilla glaze. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon or a few chopped nuts to add both flavor and eye appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an outrageously good dessert plate. They’re perfect with an afternoon tea or tucked into a lunchbox for a sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try wrapping individual bars in parchment for grab-and-go snacks, piling them onto a tiered stand for brunch, or stacking them with a ribbon for a homemade gift. For a fun twist, cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for a shareable party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled and cut, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking and preserve their chewy goodness.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw at room temperature for a soft, chewy texture.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked magic, pop a bar in the microwave for 8–10 seconds, or warm several in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. You’ll revive that marvelous aroma and gooey-soft center every time.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

You can swap in quick oats if needed, but old-fashioned rolled oats add a better chew and more rustic texture to Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Quick oats will make the bars a bit softer and less hearty.

What can I substitute for raisins?

Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips make wonderful substitutes if raisins aren’t your favorite. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect custom tray.

Can I make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture may change slightly, but the bars remain delicious.

How do I keep the bars from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overbake! Pull the bars from the oven as soon as the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Storing them airtight also helps lock in moisture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate?

Definitely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add chocolate chips along with (or instead of) raisins for an indulgent twist on classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something extra comforting about home-baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, with their hearty oats, bursts of sweet raisin, and warm cinnamon. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear from your table!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie in an easy-to-make bar form. Chewy, sweet, and satisfying, these bars are perfect for a quick dessert or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars:

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Fold in oats and raisins: Fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and cut: Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.