Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Introduction

Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the flavors of traditional oatmeal raisin cookies with the convenience of a bar. These chewy and delicious bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick snack or a dessert for a gathering. With their hearty oatmeal base and sweet bursts of raisins, these cookie bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering oatmeal raisin cookie bars, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup brown sugar

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 2 cups old-fashioned oats

– 1 1/2 cups raisins

Steps

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of oatmeal raisin cookie bars:

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.

4. Mix in the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Fold in the oats and raisins

Gently fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Spread the dough in the baking pan

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly, pressing it down with a spatula or your fingers.

7. Bake and cool

Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Variations

There are endless possibilities for customizing your oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Here are a few tasty variations to try:

1. Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal raisin flavor.

2. Nutty Oatmeal Bars

Stir in a cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to your bars.

3. Cinnamon Spice Bars

Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to infuse your bars with warm and cozy flavors.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your oatmeal raisin cookie bars turn out perfectly:

– Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.

– Use old-fashioned oats for a chewy texture, rather than instant oats.

– Don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a tough texture.

– Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean and neat slices.

Conclusion

Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a delightful treat that brings together the classic flavors of oatmeal and raisins in a convenient bar form. With their chewy texture and sweet bursts of raisins, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack or serve them as a dessert, these oatmeal raisin cookie bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A: While margarine can be used as a substitute, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture for these cookie bars.

Q: Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

A: Instant oats have a finer texture and may result in a softer and less chewy bar. It’s best to stick with old-fashioned oats for the desired texture.