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a touch of cinnamon, they are the ideal combination of flavors and textures. So, let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!
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Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins (or more, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work great)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, to help bind the dough if needed)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. The oats give these bars their chewy texture, while the flour helps to bind everything together.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. The brown sugar will provide a deep, rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the oats and raisins.
Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until fully combined. The batter should be thick and sticky. If it seems too thick or dry, you can add the 1/4 cup of milk to help bring it all together.
Step 5: Add the Raisins and Optional Nuts
Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts (if using). The raisins will plump up while baking, giving you pockets of sweet, juicy bursts of flavor in every bite. The nuts add a nice crunch and extra texture but can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional oatmeal raisin flavor.
Step 6: Spread the Batter in the Pan
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press the dough down, ensuring it fills all corners of the pan and is level across the top.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be slightly soft in the middle but firm enough to hold their shape once cooled.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars of your desired size.
Tips for Success:
- Customize with Add-ins: While raisins are classic, feel free to experiment with other add-ins such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes for a twist on the traditional recipe. You can also swap out the raisins for currants or chopped dates for different flavor profiles.
- Make Them Chewy: For chewier bars, make sure not to overbake them. If you’re a fan of crispier edges, you can leave them in for an extra 5 minutes.
- Storage: These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage—just wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars:
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp. The oats give the bars a hearty texture, while the raisins bring natural sweetness. The cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that makes them perfect for any time of year, but especially during the fall and winter months. Plus, they’re easy to make and cut into individual portions for sharing or snacking.
Whether you need a quick dessert for a family gathering, a treat for a bake sale, or simply want a sweet, homemade snack, these bars will not disappoint. They’re quick to whip up, require just a few simple ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Give these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars a try—they’re sure to become your new favorite way to enjoy a classic cookie flavor in bar form!
