Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices that create a nostalgic treat reminiscent of childhood. These delightful bars not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide a wholesome twist to traditional cookies. With their easy preparation and delicious flavor, they make a fantastic snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for an after-school snack for the kids, or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, these cookie bars hit the spot. Cozy Molasses Cookies Recipe They are packed with nutrition from oats and raisins, making them a guilt-free choice compared to other desserts. Plus, they store well, so you can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. In this article, we will explore why you’ll love these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, list the necessary ingredients, outline how to prepare them step by step, and provide helpful tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. For more inspiration, check out this recipe index recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome oats and dried fruits, these bars provide essential nutrients while still being indulgent.
- Perfectly Portable: These cookie bars are easy to transport, making them ideal for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacking.
- Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits to personalize your bars according to your taste preferences. Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Use rolled oats for the best texture; they create that classic chewy base.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for binding the ingredients together; you can substitute with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and richness; opt for packed brown sugar for more depth of flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to the overall texture of the cookie bars.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly during baking for a better texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie bars.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors in baking; be sure not to skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture; use large eggs as specified in most recipes.
- Raisins: For sweetness and chewy texture; soak them in warm water if you prefer a plumper bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan (preferably an 8×8-inch square pan) with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs
In another bowl, cream together softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in raisins gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the cookie bar mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles as desired.
Transfer to plates and enjoy as a delightful snack or dessert!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Mise en Place: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time so you can focus on mixing without interruptions.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookie bars.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the cookie bars.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors, making it a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy berries provide a refreshing balance and add a pop of color to your dessert plate.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Storing: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm. For a crispier texture, reheat in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Suggestions for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for making the best oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Old or expired ingredients can significantly impact flavor and texture. For instance, stale oats can lead to a dry and crumbly bar, while old spices may not provide the desired warmth and aroma. Check the freshness of your baking soda and baking powder as well; these leavening agents lose potency over time, resulting in dense bars instead of light and chewy ones. Always opt for high-quality raisins and consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to your batter, which can enhance their juiciness.
Measure Accurately
Accurate measurement of your ingredients is essential to achieve the perfect consistency in oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Using too much flour can make your bars dry, while too little may result in overly gooey treats. Invest in a good kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to dry ingredients like flour, oats, and sugar. Liquid ingredients should also be measured carefully; using a liquid measuring cup ensures you get the right amount. Following a reliable recipe that specifies measurements will help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to unsatisfactory results.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can lead to tough oatmeal raisin cookie bars due to gluten development in the flour. After combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. The batter should be somewhat lumpy; this will create a tender texture in your bars. Stirring too vigorously or for too long activates more gluten than necessary. Additionally, folding in the oats and raisins gently helps maintain their shape and keeps your treats chewy rather than hard. Remember, a light hand while mixing is key to delicious results.
Cool Completely Before Cutting
Patience is vital when making oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Allowing them to cool completely before cutting into squares will ensure they set properly and hold their shape. If you attempt to cut them while they are still warm, you risk ending up with a messy pile rather than neat bars. Cooling on a wire rack allows air circulation around all sides of the bars, preventing sogginess on the bottom. Depending on room temperature, this cooling process generally takes about 30 minutes but can vary based on humidity levels.
FAQs
How long do oatmeal raisin cookie bars last?
Oatmeal raisin cookie bars can last for about one week when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container. To extend their shelf life further, consider refrigerating them; they will stay fresh for up to two weeks when chilled. Freezing is another option if you want to keep them longer; wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them again, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for that freshly-baked taste.
Can I substitute other ingredients for oatmeal raisin cookie bars?
Yes! You can easily customize oatmeal raisin cookie bars by substituting various ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For example, if you’re looking for gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats and flour alternatives like almond or coconut flour. You can also replace raisins with other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for different flavors. Furthermore, feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunchiness or swap out brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Are oatmeal raisin cookie bars healthy?
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make oatmeal raisin cookie bars vegan?
Absolutely! Making vegan oatmeal raisin cookie bars is quite simple with a few ingredient swaps. Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for moisture and richness. Use flaxseeds mixed with water as an egg substitute—one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water equals one egg replacement. You can also choose maple syrup or agave nectar instead of granulated sugar to sweeten your bars naturally while keeping them vegan-friendly.
Conclusion for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
In conclusion, oatmeal raisin cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various dietary needs and preferences. By avoiding common mistakes such as using stale ingredients or overmixing your batter, you’ll achieve perfect chewy texture every time. Remember to measure accurately and allow adequate cooling time before cutting into squares for optimal presentation and taste. No Bake Chocolate Coconut Treats With tips provided here and some experimentation with substitutions, you can create delightful variations tailored just for you or your loved ones! Enjoy these homemade treats as snacks or desserts—your taste buds will thank you!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful fusion of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and aromatic spices that evoke warm memories of childhood treats. These bars are not only easy to prepare but also offer a wholesome alternative to traditional cookies. Perfect for lunchboxes or cozy evenings at home, they provide a nutritious snack or dessert option that can be customized to suit your taste!
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup raisins (soaked in warm water for plumper texture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until fully combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the raisins.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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