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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
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Deliciously chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine hearty oats and plump raisins for natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. Perfect as a quick snack, lunchbox treat, or party dessert, these bars are easy to make and endlessly customizable, offering soft chewiness and balanced sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup plump raisins (or dried cranberries for variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. This ensures a tender crumb and rich flavor.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing well for even moisture and flavor distribution.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute rising agents and spices.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough bars.
  6. Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins, ensuring even distribution without crushing the oats or squishing the raisins.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares so they hold together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh baking soda and spices for best rise and flavor.
  • Remove bars as soon as edges turn golden and center is set but slightly soft to maintain chewiness.
  • Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker bars.
  • Press batter evenly into the pan to avoid uneven baking or dense spots.
  • Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes for extra plumpness if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, chewy cookie bars, easy cookie bars, homemade cookie bars, oatmeal dessert, raisin dessert, snack bars, baking recipe

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/oatmeal-raisin-cookie-bars/