Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’re longing for a sweet, chewy treat that combines all the warmth and comfort of a classic cookie with the ease of bar baking, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars deserve a place at the top of your baking list. With buttery edges, plump bursts of raisin, and a satisfying oat texture, every bite brings the nostalgic flavors you adore, but with a simpler, slice-and-share twist that makes them perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or cozy afternoons at home. This recipe has quickly become my go-to when I want the homey vibe of oatmeal raisin cookies, without the fuss of scooping out dough—just spread, bake, slice, and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether that’s building flavor, texture, or that golden color on top. Gather your favorites and let’s talk about what makes each one special:
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives richness and creates that irresistible chewy-meets-tender crumb.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with oats and raisins.
- Granulated Sugar: A little bit of white sugar ensures the bars bake up just sweet enough and get those lovely golden edges.
- Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together and provide lift—don’t skip them!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and brings a warm aroma to every bar.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for your bars, giving structure to hold all the add-ins.
- Baking Soda: A small amount keeps the bars from getting dense and helps with a gentle rise.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just the right spice to invoke coziness, cinnamon is essential for classic oatmeal raisin flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes—you’d miss it if it was gone!
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star of the show, providing chewiness and hearty texture—quick oats just aren’t the same here.
- Raisins: Sweet, juicy pockets of flavor that make these bars extra special; feel free to swap in dried cranberries for a twist.
- Chopped Walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a nutty layer, playing perfectly off the soft chewiness of the bars—toast them for even more depth!
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper (for easy lifting), or grease it lightly with butter or nonstick spray. This step is the foundation for easy release and neat slices later—don’t skip it!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy wooden spoon to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this airiness is your ticket to chewy cookie bars that never feel heavy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and blend again to create a smooth and luscious batter. This ensures every bite of your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is flavorful throughout.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This little extra step helps distribute the leavening agent and spices so you’ll get even flavor and texture in every square.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet batter, mixing on low speed or gently with a spatula. Stir until just combined—overmixing can make your bars tough, and we want pillowy softness here.
Step 6: Stir in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Add the rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts if you’re using them. Fold these in with a spatula until everything looks hearty and chunky. Every scoop should be loaded with chewy oats, plump raisins, and nubby walnut bits.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scoop the dough into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer—don’t worry if it looks thick, it will settle as it bakes. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let your bars cool completely in the pan to firm up—this makes cutting them so much easier! Once cool, lift them out using the parchment and slice into 24 perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Grab one right away; you’ve earned it.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar can dress up your bars in an instant. For true indulgence, drizzle a bit of melted white or dark chocolate in zigzag patterns on top—so simple, so stunning.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars on a pretty platter, stacked for height, or wrap them individually in parchment and twine for lunchbox or picnic treats. They’re also a hit as DIY ice cream sandwich bases—just add a scoop of your favorite flavor in between two bars!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days, ready for snacking or packing in a lunch at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are freezer-friendly! Arrange sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just grab one when the craving hits.
Reheating
To refresh leftover bars, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. This restores their soft, just-baked texture and releases that irresistible cookie aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats can be substituted in a pinch, but old-fashioned rolled oats really provide the hearty, chewy texture that makes these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars stand out. Quick oats will yield a softer, less textured bar.
Do I have to add walnuts?
Walnuts are entirely optional! They add a lovely crunch and extra flavor, but if you have a nut allergy or just prefer your bars without, feel free to leave them out or swap with your favorite add-in, like sunflower seeds or chocolate chips.
Why are my bars crumbly?
If your bars are turning out a bit crumbly, make sure not to overbake them—slightly underbaking keeps them moist. Also, double-check you measured your flour and oats properly, as too much of either can dry things out.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results are just as delicious, with all the signature flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
For the neatest slices, let your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan, then use a sharp knife (wiped clean between cuts) to slice. A bench scraper can also create tidy, uniform pieces for party-perfect presentation.
Final Thoughts
No matter the season or occasion, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are pure happiness in dessert form—easy to bake, comforting to eat, and endlessly versatile. Give them a try, put your own spin on the mix-ins, and share a batch with someone you love. I genuinely hope they become one of your favorite go-to treats as well!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic oatmeal cookies, offering the same comforting flavors in an easy-to-make bar form. Chewy, sweet, and packed with oats, raisins, and optional walnuts, these bars are perfect for a quick treat or a lunchbox snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in oats, raisins, and walnuts if desired. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into individual bars.
Notes
- For a softer texture, slightly underbake the bars and let them finish setting as they cool.
- You can swap raisins for dried cranberries or chocolate chips for variety.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
