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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a convenient twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced oats and naturally sweet raisins into easy-to-cut bars. Perfect for busy days, potlucks, or gifting, these bars deliver a chewy texture and warm, nostalgic taste with simple ingredients and straightforward baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 ½ cups raisins (soaked in warm water and drained for extra plumpness)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a mixer.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Fold in Oats and Raisins: Stir in the rolled oats and soaked, drained raisins evenly. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage for added texture and flavor.
  6. Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 16–20 squares depending on preferred size.

Notes

  • Soaking the raisins in warm water and draining them makes them plumper and juicier in the bars.
  • Optional nuts provide a crunchy contrast but can be omitted for nut-free diets.
  • Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
  • For a healthier version, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Adding ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or a pinch of cloves enhances the warm spice profile.
  • To make chocolate-oat bars, replace half of the raisins with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Keywords: Oatmeal raisin bars, cookie bars, easy dessert, baked oat bars, chewy cookie bars, homemade snacks, raisin cookies

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/oatmeal-raisin-cookie-bars-recipe/