If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat, look no further than Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! These bar cookies capture all the nostalgic flavor of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie, but in a delightfully soft, chewy, and sliceable form that’s perfect for sharing. With cozy cinnamon, sweet bursts of plump raisins, and hearty oats, every bite is wonderfully comforting. Whether you serve them for after-school snacks, bring them to a potluck, or bake up a batch just because, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity; each ingredient brings something special, from buttery richness to a hint of spice or irresistible chew. Here’s how the essentials come together to make magic:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Delivers that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that forms the base of every great cookie bar.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and softness so the bars stay chewy for days.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lightens the flavor and helps achieve that perfect crackly top.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the mixture together, giving the bars their structure and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and boosts that classic cookie aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for the dough, keeping the bars sturdy yet soft.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Guarantees lift and uniform texture in every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and an instantly recognizable, comforting spice.
- Old-fashioned oats (3 cups): The star player for classic chew, nutty flavor, and that signature oatmeal cookie vibe.
- Raisins (1 cup): Offer burst of juiciness and natural sweetness throughout the bars.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when the bars go in. While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang if you want to lift the bars out easily later. This step ensures nothing sticks, and the bars release perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon, beating until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step locks in air so your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars bake up wonderfully tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One by one, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract and mix again. You should see the dough turning silkier and a bit glossy—this lets you know it’s ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution so every bite brings just the right rise, flavor, and hint of spice.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can make bars tough, so stop when you no longer see streaks of flour. Now, fold in the oats and raisins, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Spread Dough and Bake
Take your thick, chunky cookie dough and spread it evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs for that just-right chewy finish.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off, since the bars will set and slice much more neatly. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang or cut directly in the pan into 24 generous squares.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate. Even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside each bar feels extra special without a lot of effort.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, of course, but they also shine next to fresh fruit or alongside a cup of hot coffee or chai. They make a lovely addition to a dessert spread at family gatherings or as a sweet finish to a brunch menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the bars in mini cupcake liners, stack them on a tiered cake stand, or even wrap them individually in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for adorable take-home treats. These sturdy cookie bars are also perfect for lunch boxes or snack platters on busy days!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars tasting fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer with parchment paper if stacking, so the bars keep their chewy tops and bottoms without sticking together.
Freezing
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Pop them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight on the counter whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you want to bring back that just-baked coziness, quickly warm a bar or two in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. Warm bars become even softer and the cinnamon flavor intensifies—a truly comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins?
Absolutely! Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips if you like. Dried apricots or cherries can add a fun twist, just chop larger fruits into small pieces.
Can I make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars gluten-free?
You sure can. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, and double-check your oats are certified gluten-free. The results are still deliciously chewy and satisfying.
Do I need to soak the raisins first?
Soaking is not required, but if you like your raisins extra plump, try soaking them in hot water (or a little rum!) for 10 minutes, then draining before adding. This makes for juicy bursts in every bite.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife. For ultra-neat squares, wipe the knife clean between every few cuts and use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even coconut for extra texture. This recipe is endlessly customizable, so make it your own each time you bake!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so nostalgic and welcoming about a pan of freshly baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and enjoy all the heartwarming, chewy-cookie flavor these bars have to offer. Happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, offering all the flavors you love in an easy-to-make bar form. Chewy, sweet, and packed with oats and raisins, these bars are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Bar Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: Cream together butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, then stir in oats and raisins.
- Bake: Spread dough in pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and slice: Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For added texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted for raisins if desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
