Welcome, dear friends! I’m thrilled you’re here because today we’re baking up something truly amazing—my beloved Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Bringing the cozy nostalgia of soft oatmeal raisin cookies into easy, bake-and-slice bars, this recipe is pure comfort in every bite. Make sure to subscribe for more mouthwatering recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Overview of Recipe Content
What This Recipe Is
A delightful twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie—these bars are chewy, cinnamon-scented, studded with plump raisins, and baked into a soft, shareable slab. Perfect for a comforting brunch treat or holiday potluck.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy one-bowl prep—no fancy equipment needed
- Soft, chewy texture that holds together beautifully
- Deep cinnamon flavor with bursts of sweet raisins
- Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or cozy coffee breaks
What It Tastes Like
Warm cinnamon and buttery oats with sweet raisin pockets in every bite. It’s nostalgic comfort turned bar form—ideal for pairing with milk or coffee!
Health/Nutritional Benefits
Oats and raisins provide fibre and nutritional value—so while it’s still a treat, it brings a little good to the glow.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup raisins
Tools Needed
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Parchment paper (optional)
Suggested Substitutions/Additions
- Use old‑fashioned oats instead of quick oats for a chewier texture (see Martha Stewart’s oat insight)
- Swap raisins with chopped dried cranberries or apricots (as recommended by Simply Recipes)
- Feel free to sprinkle chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added flair
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line your pan with parchment and lightly grease it. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. - Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes—scraping down sides as needed. - Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla until smooth. - Combine Everything
Gradually add dry mix; stir just until flour disappears. Then fold in oats and raisins until evenly distributed. - Bake
Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 18–22 minutes or until edges are golden and center looks set (moist crumbs are ideal!) - Cool & Slice
Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then lift out via parchment and slice into 9–12 bars.
What to Serve with Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- A steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai
- Glass of cold milk for dipping
- For brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit for a lovely balance
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overbake—bars should be moist, not dry
- Even thickness: press batter gently into corners using parchment or your hands
- Make ahead: refrigerate the dough for an hour if you want thicker bars and deeper flavors
- Double batch: this base doubles beautifully—bake in a 9×13 pan, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh up to 5 days
- Freeze: Individually wrap bars and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw at room temp
General Information
Oatmeal raisin cookies date back to the late 1800s, first appearing in cookbooks in 1896. Considered a health food once, they became iconic in lunchboxes—now, in bar form, they’re easier than ever to make and share.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes! Rolled oats yield a chewier texture. If using old‑fashioned oats, bake slightly longer and cool thoroughly before slicing.
2. Can I freeze the bars after baking?
Absolutely—cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. What if I don’t like raisins?
Swap in 1 cup of dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots—Delish’s fillings are a tasty twist.
Conclusion
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of warm cinnamon, chewy oats, and sweet raisins—bringing classic nostalgia into easy, bake-and-slice form. Looking for more delicious oat treats? Try my Banana Oatmeal Cookiesor Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars. Happy baking, my friends—see you in the kitchen soon!
Interactive Elements
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Nutritional Information Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars (per bar, makes 12 bars)
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 28 g | 9 g | 4 g |
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Irresistible Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars 🍪
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy, cinnamon-kissed Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars packed with oats and plump raisins. These easy bars are a nostalgic hug in dessert form—bake once, slice up, and savor all week!
Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup raisins
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper. Grease lightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into bars.
Notes
Want extra chew? Use old-fashioned oats and let them soak a few minutes in the batter before baking.
Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for an exciting twist.
These freeze beautifully! Just wrap each bar and store in a freezer bag.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
