Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up in the kitchen: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! I first discovered this recipe during a rainy weekend when I was stuck indoors with a craving for something sweet, and boy, did I strike gold! These bars have the chewy texture of traditional oatmeal cookies but are so much easier to make (who needs to scoop individual cookies, right?). The warm aroma of cinnamon wafts through the air as they bake, making my home feel like a cozy bakery, and the best part? They’re perfect for sharing!
I love these bars because they remind me of family gatherings where my grandma would have a big plate of cookies ready for everyone. There’s something about oatmeal and raisins that feels nostalgic and comforting. Plus, they’re great for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack—what’s not to love? So, let’s get baking!
What’s in Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Old-Fashioned Oats: The star of the show! Old-fashioned oats give these bars their hearty, chewy texture. I prefer using Bob’s Red Mill or Quaker oats for reliable quality.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch of flour helps hold everything together, giving the bars the perfect structure. All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, keeping things classic.
Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds not just sweetness but also a rich, caramel-like flavor. I love to use light brown sugar, but dark brown works too if you enjoy a deeper flavor.
Granulated Sugar: A splash of this helps the bars achieve that perfectly balanced sweetness. It helps to create a lovely crust on top!
Cinnamon: Just a dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth. I can’t resist a bit more if I’m in the mood!
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Baking Soda: This helps the bars rise a bit, contributing to that delightful texture.
Eggs: They bind everything together. I usually use large eggs for this recipe.
Butter: Melted butter is key here! It gives the bars a rich flavor and that perfect chewiness.
Raisins: Of course, we can’t forget the raisins! They add sweetness and a chewy texture. I often soak them in hot water for a few minutes to plump them up; it makes a world of difference!
Is Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a moment. While these bars are definitely a treat, there are some wonderful health benefits rolled into those chewy bites.
Oats: They’re packed with fiber, which is fantastic for digestion and keeping you feeling full. Plus, oats are known to have heart-healthy benefits.
Raisins: These little gems add natural sweetness and are rich in antioxidants. They also provide a good dose of iron and potassium!
However, as with any dessert, moderation is key. The combination of sugars and butter means these bars are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday indulgence. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you could use less sugar or swap in whole wheat flour!
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup melted butter
– 1 cup raisins (plumped if desired)
This recipe makes about 12 hearty bars.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Stir until well mixed.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted butter. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
4. **Fold in the Raisins:** Gently fold in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. **Spread the Mixture:** Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; that’s totally normal!
6. **Bake:** Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool and Slice:** Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Lift out using parchment paper (if you used it) and let cool completely. Once cool, slice into bars.
Creative Twists to Make It Your Own
– **Nutty Delight:** Feel free to add in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
– **Chocolate Chip Love:** If you’re feeling indulgent, throw in some chocolate chips along with the raisins for an extra treat!
– **Spice it Up:** Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or even a touch of vanilla extract for a flavor boost.
I hope you give these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a try! I promise that once you bake them, your house will smell amazing, and they’ll disappear faster than you can say “cookie monster.” Whether you’re serving them to guests or keeping them for a cozy night in (maybe even with a movie and a warm cup of tea?), I know you’ll love them just as much as I do. Happy baking!
