Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a chewy, comforting treat that combines the classic flavors of oatmeal raisin cookies in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack, these bars are soft, slightly chewy, and packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins. Here’s how to make them:
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Ingredients (Makes 12-16 bars):
- 1 cup (2 sticks/225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (240g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (150g) raisins
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins:
- Stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Press into the Pan:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles.
- Serve:
- Serve at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips:
- Soak the Raisins: For plumper, juicier raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the dough.
- Customize: Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delicious and easy alternative to traditional cookies, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!
