Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy bar that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet burst of plump raisins - a dessert that's not just a treat, but a nostalgic journey back to grandma's kitchen. These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and pure deliciousness that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering results that are sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the rolled oats and raisins using a spatula or wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares or bars. Serve and enjoy your delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars!
Tips
- For extra soft and chewy bars, make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted.
- Soak your raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the recipe to ensure they're plump and moist.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough, dense bars instead of tender ones.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of your bars.
- For a flavor boost, consider toasting your oats lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the recipe.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg