Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could eat your favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookie by the chunky, hand-held square, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars will absolutely steal your baking-loving heart! Bursting with chewy oats, warm cinnamon, juicy raisins, and just the right touch of sweetness, every bite is pure nostalgia in bar form. This recipe is delightfully simple, perfect for busy afternoons, family gatherings, or just because you’re craving an old-school treat. The best part? With one batch, you’ll have enough for sharing (or hoarding—no judgment here). If you adore the homey flavors of classic cookies, you’ll love baking up a pan of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these bars comes from the harmony of easy-to-find pantry staples. Every single ingredient has a distinct purpose, making these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars perfectly chewy, comforting, and golden—exactly how the best bar cookies should be.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives these bars a rich, tender crumb and melds all the other flavors together beautifully. Let it come to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, helping the bars stay irresistibly chewy inside.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Brings a touch of crispness and extra sweetness to balance out the oats and raisins.
• Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients and provide lift, so the bars are sturdy but never dry.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Creates that warm, sweet undertone that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone for structure, working seamlessly with the other leaveners.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the bars rise just the right amount—no flat, dense squares here.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch brings everything into balance and intensifies the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds classic warmth—absolutely essential with oats and raisins!
• Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The heart of these bars, providing signature chew and gorgeous texture.
• Raisins (1 cup): Studs each bite with sweet, fruity pops and rounds out the classic flavor profile.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready to go. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough overhang for easy lifting. Lining the pan means no sticking and much prettier bar edges!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Go for a light, creamy texture—usually a few minutes with a mixer does the trick. This step infuses air into the mix and guarantees every bar is deliciously tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in those eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mixing well at this stage is key, giving the batter a rich, glossy look and ensuring all those wonderful flavors are distributed evenly.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gently fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients a bit at a time, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing can lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as everything looks cohesive.

Step 5: Stir in the Oats and Raisins

Now comes the most satisfying stir—in go the old-fashioned oats and plump raisins. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon and mix until they’re just incorporated. The dough will be thick and loaded with texture, ready for baking!

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Scoop the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer, making sure to nudge it into the corners. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick poked into the center emerges clean. The aroma in your kitchen will be off the charts!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is the hardest part but absolutely worth it. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cut into 24 even bars. Each square will be chewy on the inside, a little crisp at the edge, and full of cozy, oat-and-raisin goodness.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a pretty (and tasty) finishing touch, dust the tops of your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. You can even try a pinch of flaky sea salt if you love that salty-sweet combo. Each bite will look as fabulous as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Pair your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with a tall glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a steaming mug of chai tea for the coziest treat ever. During warm months, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a breezy dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these classic bars into party-perfect bites by cutting them into mini squares and piling them high on a tiered dessert stand. Wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for sweet lunchbox or picnic treats, or sandwich them with a layer of vanilla ice cream for an old-fashioned frozen dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll easily last up to 5 days without losing their irresistible chew or comfortingly soft centers. Stack them with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Good news: these bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled and sliced, arrange them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when cravings strike or unexpected guests pop by.

Reheating

To enjoy your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars warm, just pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If reheating several, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This little touch revives their bakery-fresh, gooey magic!

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be a little softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats give these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars their signature hearty bite and help them hold together perfectly.

What can I use instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. Each option adds its own tasty twist to the classic oatmeal raisin flavor.

How do I make my bars extra chewy?

Slightly underbaking your bars by just a minute or two and cooling them completely in the pan does the trick. This locks in moisture and delivers that ultra-chewy texture everyone loves.

Can I make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Yes—just use a reliable one-for-one gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and be sure to check your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll get the same cozy flavor and satisfying bite.

What’s the best way to cut perfect bars?

Let the pan cool fully (resist the urge to rush!), then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Lining the pan with parchment makes lifting out and slicing ultra-neat, so every bar comes out bakery-beautiful.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a spot on your baking list. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and packed with irresistible oatmeal cookie flavor in every bite. Whip up a batch, share with someone you love, and discover just how joyful homemade bars can be!

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