Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something about a tray of freshly baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars that brings an instant wave of nostalgia and comfort to any kitchen. Imagine a bar with the soft and chewy heart of an oatmeal cookie, sweet pops of plump raisins, and the irresistible aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home. These bars are blissfully easy to make, perfect for a crowd, and deliver that classic cookie flavor with half the effort. If you’ve been craving a timeless treat that’s equally suited to lunchboxes, picnics, and cozy evenings, you’re about to discover your new favorite recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to stir up these irresistible Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s lending chew, sweetness, or that deep golden color you know and love.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Lends richness and helps create a wonderfully moist crumb.
Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Supplies a warm, caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the molasses flavor of the brown sugar with bright sweetness.
Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and add a subtle lift to each bar.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to every bite—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the bars structure so they hold together nicely when sliced.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the bars rise to the perfect thickness.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the bars with cozy, aromatic spice.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the sweet flavors.
Old-fashioned oats (3 cups): Star of the show, providing hearty chew and rustic charm.
Raisins (1 cup): For little bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add a delicious crunch and toasty nuttiness, if desired.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this will make removing and slicing your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a breeze. If you don’t have parchment, a good greasing with butter or nonstick spray works too.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes and builds the perfect base for your cookie bars. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, and add the vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is combined and silky smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing them separately helps evenly distribute the baking soda and spices, so every bar bakes up just right and tastes incredible.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently stir in the oats, then fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts if you’re using them. The dough should be thick and packed with goodies.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Dollop the dough into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Pop it in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. If you love chewier bars, pull them out closer to 25 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan—this step makes slicing them into neat squares super easy! Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment (if you used it), then slice into 16 satisfying bars. Now comes the hardest part: trying not to eat them all at once!

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar elevates the homemade look, while a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate adds a little extra flair. For a hint of decadence, top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special dessert twist.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet treats with a cold glass of milk for a classic cookie bar experience, or serve them alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon snack. For brunch, try serving a platter of these bars with fresh fruit or yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars into parfaits by layering broken pieces with yogurt and berries in small glasses. Wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for grab-and-go lunchbox treats, or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter for a warm, inviting dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled bars in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layering parchment or wax paper between bars keeps them from sticking together and ensures they stay just as chewy and delicious as the day you baked them.

Freezing

Freeze these bars for longer storage by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-friendly bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for baking ahead and stocking your freezer with a sweet treat for any occasion.

Reheating

If you like your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars warm and gooey, simply pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This little trick revives that just-baked texture and makes the raisins extra plump and flavorful.

FAQs

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

Old-fashioned oats provide the chewiest, heartiest texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars may be a bit softer and less textured.

Are the walnuts necessary?

Not at all! Walnuts are totally optional and can be left out for nut-free bars, or swapped for pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a custom touch.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely—just substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars may be slightly more delicate, but still delicious!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and edges. Insert a toothpick into the center: if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter), your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are ready to come out of the oven.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you’re serving a big group or want to freeze extra, simply double all ingredients and bake in two pans, or use a large rimmed baking sheet. Add a few minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on doneness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars part of your home baking rotation. Every bite is packed with all the cozy flavors of your favorite cookie, but far easier to share (and, let’s admit it, devour). Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of oatmeal and raisin cookies in a convenient bar form. Chewy and packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are perfect for snacking or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Cool and Slice: Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.