If you’re searching for that perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and nostalgic in a dessert, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars deliver all of that in irresistible bar form. You still get the homey comfort and classic flavors of everyone’s favorite oatmeal raisin cookie, but it’s all baked in one glorious pan – meaning you’ll spend less time at the oven and more time enjoying every bite. Whether you’re making a treat for the family, a school event, or simply want to satisfy your own craving, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are about to become your new go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create rich flavor and that perfect chewy texture. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, with nothing wasted or out of place.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the bars their tender texture and subtle richness; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with oats and raisins.
- Granulated sugar: Helps balance sweetness and ensures the perfect golden brown top.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and create that classic chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds irresistible aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, but not so much that the bars turn cakey.
- Baking soda: Gives rise and just the right amount of chew.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bars with cozy, warming spice.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The backbone of the recipe, delivering texture and that signature oat flavor.
- Raisins: Juicy bursts of sweetness that keep every bite interesting.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Add a delightful crunch and a touch of earthiness – totally up to you!
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it comes up the sides for easy removal later. This step is what helps you lift out the bars cleanly – trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and ensures the sugars are integrated properly.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, beat in the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end for that irresistible sweet aroma. This will make your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars wonderfully rich and cohesive.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blends the leaveners and spices evenly, so each bar bakes up consistent, flavorful, and just the right amount of chewy throughout.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing on low speed or with a sturdy spatula. Mix until just combined – you don’t want to overwork the dough, or the bars could end up tough instead of chewy!
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Using a spatula, stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using). The dough will be thick and hearty – just the way you want it for these classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars!
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scrape the dough into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula (or clean hands) to spread it evenly into all the corners. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to overbake; slightly underbaked means chewier bars.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Once cool, slice into squares. This is when the true magic happens – you’ll see those lovely layers and bits of raisin in every single bar!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze can make these bars irresistibly eye-catching. Sometimes, I like to scatter a few extra walnuts or raisins on top just after baking for extra texture and color.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are fantastic on their own, but pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot mug of coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. For dessert platters, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm bar is an unbeatable classic.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for party treats, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie them with bakers’ twine for sweet homemade gifts. Stack several bars in a jar for a rustic cookie bar bouquet – it’s as charming as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days (if they last that long!).
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled bars in a single layer or between sheets of parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature whenever you need a sweet fix.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie bar, just pop an individual bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will revive that just-baked softness and release the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla all over again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can use quick oats in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats give the bars the best chewy texture and heartiness that makes Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars so special.
What can I substitute for raisins?
Feel free to swap in dried cranberries or chocolate chips if you prefer different flavors. The bars are versatile and will still bake up beautifully with those substitutions.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars will still be rich and flavorful.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges of the bars should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Remember, slightly underbaking gives a delicious chewiness.
Do I have to add walnuts?
Nope! The walnuts are optional, so you can leave them out if you prefer nut-free bars. The Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are still absolutely delicious packed with oats and raisins alone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring homemade, bakery-style comfort straight to your kitchen, give these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a try. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and certain to become a staple in your baking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to take that first chewy, cinnamon-kissed bite!
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 treat that combines the flavors of oatmeal, raisins, and cinnamon in a chewy, satisfying bar form. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
Ingredients
Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Mix-ins:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Stir in oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
- Bake: Spread dough into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips.
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake and cool in the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
