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Few desserts can evoke nostalgia quite like oatmeal raisin cookies. Their warm, spiced aroma, chewy texture, and naturally sweet raisins make them a timeless classic. But what if we could take everything we love about these cookies and make them even easier to prepare? That’s where Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars come in.
These bars offer all the cozy flavors of the traditional cookie but in a convenient, sliceable form. No need to portion out individual cookies—just mix, bake, and cut into perfectly chewy squares. They’re perfect for school lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or as a satisfying treat with your morning coffee. Plus, the wholesome combination of oats and raisins means they provide a boost of fiber and natural sweetness.
If you’ve ever struggled with making the perfect oatmeal raisin cookies that are soft in the middle and crisp on the edges, these bars take out the guesswork. With a foolproof method and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe ensures a chewy, moist texture every time. Whether you’re baking for your family or meal-prepping snacks for the week, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
There’s something deeply comforting about a dessert that feels like home. These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars take all the flavors of a classic oatmeal cookie and make them even easier to bake. They are soft, chewy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, perfect for any occasion.
- Simple and No-Fuss – Skip the hassle of scooping individual cookies. Just mix, spread, bake, and slice. No need to worry about uneven baking or multiple batches.
- Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced – The combination of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon ensures a moist and flavorful bar with just the right amount of chewiness.
- Great for Meal Prep – These bars store well, making them a great option for quick breakfasts, lunchboxes, or easy snacking throughout the week.
- Easily Adaptable – Whether you prefer nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries instead of raisins, this recipe allows for plenty of variations.
- A Nostalgic Treat – If you have fond memories of oatmeal cookies, these bars will bring back that same familiar taste in a simple, bar form.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, but there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe based on your preferences.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – These provide the signature chewy texture. Quick oats can be used but will make the bars softer. Instant oats are not recommended.
- Raisins – Their natural sweetness and chewiness enhance the bars, but you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor. Dark brown sugar will create a richer taste, while light brown sugar gives a more subtle sweetness.
- Cinnamon – A key ingredient that complements the oats and raisins. For extra depth, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- Butter – Creates a rich, soft texture. Swap with coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs – Help bind the bars together. For a vegan alternative, replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Flour – All-purpose flour works best, but whole wheat flour can add a nuttier taste, and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend makes the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
These bars come together in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. This step helps create a chewy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of soft.
Step 5: Fold in the Oats and Raisins
Gently stir in the rolled oats and raisins. The dough will be thick, which is normal.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cutting too soon can cause them to crumble.
Expert Tips for Success
- Soften the Raisins for Extra Moisture – If you prefer plumper raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding them to the batter.
- Avoid Overbaking – The bars may look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry.
- Press the Dough Evenly – Since the dough is thick, using a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into the pan will help ensure consistent baking.
- For Cleaner Slices – Let the bars cool completely before cutting. For even neater slices, refrigerate them for 30 minutes before slicing.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
- Add Crunch – Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist – Replace the raisins with chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic and Simple: Enjoy them as they are with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
- Breakfast Option: Pair with yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced start to the day.
- Dessert Upgrade: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- On-the-Go Snack: Pack them in a lunchbox or take them along for a road trip.
Summary and Encouragement
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars bring together everything you love about traditional oatmeal cookies in a simple, easy-to-make bar. They are soft, chewy, full of warm cinnamon flavor, and require no special skills or equipment.
Whether you’re making them for a snack, a bake sale, or a comforting dessert, this recipe is foolproof and can be adapted in so many ways. Try them once, and they may just become a staple in your kitchen.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe – Perfect for Snacks & Desserts
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the hearty texture of old-fashioned oats with the natural sweetness of plump raisins and a touch of warm cinnamon. Baked into thick, chewy squares, they offer all the comforting flavors of traditional oatmeal raisin cookies without the hassle of scooping individual portions. Perfectly balanced between soft and chewy, these bars make a satisfying snack, dessert, or breakfast option. Whether you're preparing a quick treat for the family or a make-ahead snack for the week, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper. This step makes removing the bars easier later and helps them bake evenly without sticking.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This combination gives the bars their signature chewy texture and deep caramel-like flavor. Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, stir in vanilla extract for a boost of warm, rich flavor.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and helping the bars rise properly while baking.
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients into the Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry mixture to the bowl of wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stirring too much can develop the gluten in the flour, making your bars dense instead of soft and tender.
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Fold in the Oats & Raisins
Now, it’s time for the star ingredients! Gently stir in rolled oats and raisins, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter. The dough will be thick, but don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want for perfectly chewy cookie bars.
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Spread the Batter & Bake
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. This ensures consistent baking so that every bite has the perfect balance of oats, raisins, and cookie goodness.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The center should still feel slightly soft—don’t worry, the bars will firm up as they cool.
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Cool & Slice
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan. This step is important because cutting too soon can cause them to fall apart. For best results, transfer the bars to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing into squares. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Note
Make Your Raisins Extra Soft & Juicy
- For plumper, juicier raisins, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before mixing them into the dough. Be sure to drain them well and pat dry with a paper towel to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
Avoid Overbaking for the Perfect Texture
- The bars may look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, but that’s exactly what you want! They will continue to set as they cool, so resist the urge to leave them in too long—overbaking will make them dry instead of chewy.
Choose the Right Oats
- For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they absorb moisture faster, making the bars softer and less chewy. Avoid instant oats, as they break down too much and change the consistency of the dough.
Customize with Fun Mix-Ins
While raisins are a classic, feel free to switch things up! Try adding:
- Chocolate chips for a sweeter touch
- Dried cranberries for a tangy twist
- Chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch
- Shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor
Want Firmer Bars?
- If you prefer denser, firmer cookie bars, let them cool completely before slicing. For an even cleaner cut, refrigerate them for 30 minutes before slicing—it helps them hold their shape better.
