Master the Sweet & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars bring warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Sweet memories flood back with each delectable bite.

Hearty rolled oats create a rustic texture that feels deeply comforting.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these bars connect generations through shared culinary traditions.

Cinnamon and raisins dance together, promising a nostalgic treat that sparks joy.

We can almost smell the golden-brown goodness wafting through the house.

Baking these bars will fill your space with pure, irresistible happiness.

What Makes Oatmeal Raisin Bars Feel So Right

• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars with minimal effort and simple ingredients everyone loves.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and creating happy moments with loved ones, these bars appeal to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Ideal for packed lunches, after-school snacks, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Comforting Flavor Profile: Warm cinnamon and sweet raisins blend perfectly with soft, chewy oatmeal base, creating a nostalgic and heartwarming dessert experience.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer) Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for cookie bars.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice for depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.

• Rolled Oats: Hearty and textural whole grain.
• Raisins: Sweet and chewy dried fruit.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Rich and caramel-like base.
• Eggs: Binding agent for structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter: Creamy frosting base.
• Maple Syrup: Sweet, rich flavor enhancer.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth and rich texture.
• Optional Maple Extract: Intense maple flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice accent.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and give it a friendly spray of baking oil. Drape parchment paper inside the pan for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Set this mixture aside for a moment.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure everything gets incorporated.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently stir in oats and raisins, creating a delightful cookie dough.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly across the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the bars rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Step 8: Create Maple Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Heavy cream
• Cinnamon
• Maple extract (optional)

Whip until the frosting becomes creamy and dreamy.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Spread the luscious frosting over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and enjoy your homemade treat!

Skewer Tips That Keep Air Fryer Chicken Juicy and Bold

• Enhance Baking Texture: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie bar batter that creates a tender crumb.
• Prevent Raisin Sinking: Toss raisins in a little flour before adding to the mixture to help them distribute evenly and prevent dropping to the bottom of the bars.
• Storage Secret: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Toast oats in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the recipe to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cookie bars.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Reheating Guide

• Store cooled oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring complete seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on low power for 15-20 seconds to restore softness.
• Warm bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore fresh-baked texture and enhance flavor.

Bites That Work with Chicken Skewers

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Spiced Chai Latte Pairing
• Complement the warm cinnamon notes of the oatmeal raisin bars with a creamy, spiced chai latte. The fragrant cardamom, ginger, and black tea will beautifully enhance the cookie's sweet and hearty profile.
• Craft Cozy Beverage Match: Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
• Pour a decadent salted caramel hot chocolate alongside these bars. The rich chocolate and buttery caramel undertones will dance perfectly with the maple frosting and raisin sweetness.
• Create Dessert Wine Experience: Late Harvest Riesling
• Select a chilled late harvest Riesling to accompany these bars. The wine's honeyed sweetness and subtle acidity will wonderfully balance the dense, chewy texture of the oatmeal raisin base.
• Brew Complementary Coffee: Vanilla Hazelnut Blend
• Serve a smooth vanilla hazelnut coffee that echoes the warmth of cinnamon and maple. This aromatic brew will highlight the cookie's nutty oat undertones and provide a delightful drinking experience.

Oatmeal Raisin Bar Spins

• Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use dairy-free maple syrup for the frosting to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sugar content, and use sugar-free maple syrup alternative for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Nut-Infused Oatmeal Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a protein-rich and textural variation of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of oats?

Yes, you can use rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe. Old-fashioned oats will give a chewier texture, while quick oats will make the bars slightly more compact.

• Are raisins necessary for the recipe?

No, you can substitute raisins with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries based on your preference. The amount should remain the same.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely wet or completely dry.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but the taste will remain similar.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Homemade “Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars” blend classic comfort with irresistible sweetness, offering a delightful twist on traditional cookies. Chewy, spiced bars packed with plump raisins promise a nostalgic treat that will transport you to grandma’s kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Leavening Agent:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Assemble all kitchen tools: mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer, 9×9-inch baking pan, parchment paper, and cooling rack.
2. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare the baking pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.
3. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, using an electric mixer for approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing completely after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
7. Carefully fold in rolled oats and raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
8. Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly with a spatula to create an even layer.
9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as a doneness indicator.
10. Remove from oven and allow bars to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes to set slightly.
11. Transfer bars to a wire rack, letting them cool completely before frosting.
12. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until smooth and creamy.
13. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract.
14. Beat frosting until it reaches a light, spreadable consistency.
15. Once bars are completely cooled, generously spread frosting across the surface.
16. Slice into square portions and serve.

Notes

• Choose gluten-free flour or oat alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable bars.
• Toast oats briefly before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile in the cookie bars.
• Consider substituting raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for exciting flavor variations that cater to different preferences.
• Reduce sugar content by using half brown sugar and half natural sweetener like stevia for a healthier version without compromising deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg