Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup raisins; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the delightful answer to your cookie cravings, marrying the nostalgia of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie with the ease and fun of a bar treat. Picture golden, chewy bars full of plump raisins, warm cinnamon, and hearty oats — perfect for lunchbox surprises or cozying up with coffee. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or want a comforting snack for yourself, these bars deliver everything we love about homemade cookies, in a super-shareable form.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars to life, you probably already have most of the key players waiting in your pantry. Each ingredient lends something essential: chewy oats for heartiness, rich brown sugar for that deep caramel note, and just the right touch of cinnamon for warmth. Let’s break it down:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and the base that keeps the bars tender and chewy.
Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds lovely depth and caramel-like sweetness; pack it tight for maximum flavor.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the bars a slight crunch and rounds out the sweetness profile.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft, sturdy texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Perfumes the dough with a cozy, familiar aroma.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The structural backbone that holds it all together.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gently lifts the bars so they’re not too dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): The secret that infuses each bite with warmth and comfort.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3 cups): Give that signature chew we all crave in oatmeal bars.
Raisins (1 cup): Sweet little bursts of fruity flavor in every bite; swap for other dried fruit or chocolate chips if you like.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — a little pregame that ensures even baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or, even better, line it with parchment for super-easy removal and cleanup later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when those chewy bars lift right out!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture gets light, creamy, and a little fluffy. This step aerates the butter, which leads to delightfully tender bars and melts those sugars for just the right chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in those eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This ensures everything melds together smoothly, creating a luscious, well-blended base for your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. That pop of vanilla? It makes all the difference in flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Giving these dry ingredients a quick toss ensures the cinnamon is spread evenly, so you don’t end up with sneaky spice pockets later on.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overdo it here — stirring until you see no more flour streaks is perfect. This gentle approach guarantees your bars stay soft and tender.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins

Time for the good stuff! With a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the oats and raisins until they’re evenly distributed. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for chewy, satisfying Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. If you like your bars extra chewy, aim for the shorter baking time.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Resist the urge to dig in right away! Let the pan cool completely before slicing into bars. This not only helps them firm up for perfect squares, but it also lets those rich flavors settle and shine.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a handful of toasted nuts across the top instantly dresses up your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars for a little extra wow. For special gatherings, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate adds both beauty and a touch of decadence.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also make a charming addition to a dessert board alongside fruit, cheeses, or other cookies for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars in rustic layers tied with twine for a picnic-ready snack, or individually wrap them in parchment and tuck them into lunchboxes. For an elegant party, cut smaller squares and serve them in cupcake liners on a tiered tray. Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars adapt to any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars at their chewy, delicious best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—though they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled bars in layers (separated by parchment) in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a quick snack or treat.

Reheating

If you crave that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll emerge soft and gooey, just like it did on bake day. Warm Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with melty chocolate or plump raisins are hard to resist!

FAQs

Can I substitute chocolate chips for raisins?

Absolutely! If you’re a chocoholic (or baking for someone who is), swap the raisins for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even butterscotch chips for a tasty twist on classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Easily adapt this recipe by using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go — you’ll barely notice the difference!

Can I add nuts to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch to Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Stir in up to 1/2 cup when you add the oats and raisins, and enjoy the extra texture.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a large, sharp knife (run under hot water and wiped dry) for the cleanest slices. Lining the pan with parchment also helps you lift the whole slab out before cutting.

How do I prevent the bars from getting too dry?

For extra chewiness, take care not to overbake — start checking at the 25-minute mark. Storing bars in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside can also help keep them soft and moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of magic in a homemade batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars — they bring smiles and comfort, one chewy bite at a time. Grab your whisk, invite some friends or family into the kitchen, and let these bars become your new go-to treat. I can’t wait for you to taste just how good these are!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, baked into a chewy and satisfying bar form. Packed with oats, raisins, and warm cinnamon flavor, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to wet mixture.
Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in oats and raisins.
Bake: Spread dough in pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
Cool and Cut: Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.