Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! These treats are everything you ever wanted in a cookie but with the added bonus of being in bar form—easy to cut, share, and devour. I remember the first time I made these for a potluck. I had some friends over, and we spent an afternoon baking and bonding. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and oats filled the air, and by the time they were out of the oven, you would think we were at a bakery! Everyone loved them, and they quickly disappeared. Since then, this has been my go-to recipe for gatherings, and you won’t believe how simple and scrumptious they are!
Now, there’s something uniquely comforting about oats and raisins coming together, don’t you think? They not only taste amazing, but they also make me feel a bit nostalgic, like a warm hug from grandma on a chilly day. So, are you ready to whip up some divine Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars? Let’s get to it!
What’s in Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Oats: The heart of this recipe! Old-fashioned rolled oats give the bars a fantastic chewy texture. I usually go for Quaker or Bob’s Red Mill, but any rolled oats will do just fine.
Flour: All-purpose flour is what binds everything together. It helps to create that perfect base for the bars.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth and moisture, giving the bars that delicious caramel-like flavor. I love using dark brown sugar for a richer taste!
Granulated Sugar: This balances out the brown sugar and helps achieve that chewy texture.
Butter: You can’t beat the flavor of butter! I use unsalted butter, so I can control the saltiness of the bars.
Eggs: These are essential for binding the ingredients together and also add moisture.
Raisins: The chewy gems that give these bars their signature taste. I often soak my raisins in hot water or a splash of rum for extra flavor, but that’s just me being adventurous!
Cinnamon: Just a pinch of this spice elevates the whole experience and brings warmth to each bite.
Baking Soda: This helps the bars to rise and become perfectly chewy.
Is Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Good for You?
These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars aren’t just a delicious treat; they also come with some health benefits!
Oats: These are high in fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied. They also have heart-healthy benefits and can help lower cholesterol.
Raisins: Packed with antioxidants and a good source of iron, they add a natural sweetness and contribute to digestive health.
However, I would say these bars are still treats and shouldn’t replace balanced meals every day. The sugars (both brown and granulated) can add up, so moderation is key. Enjoy them as a part of a balanced diet, and you’ll feel good about treating yourself!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
This recipe makes approximately 16 bars, depending on how you cut them. Get ready to share—if you can resist eating them all yourself!
How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper (because we all hate doing dishes, right?).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated before adding the next.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean from the center (though a few crumbs are okay—this isn’t a cake!).
8. Allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift out (if using parchment paper) or cut directly in the pan.
9. Enjoy your delicious bars with a glass of milk or a cozy cup of tea!
Sweet Tips for Sweet Bars
– If you’re not a fan of raisins, try using chocolate chips or dried cranberries instead. The possibilities are endless!
– These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’re great to have on hand for a dessert emergency!
– Swap in half the butter for coconut oil or applesauce for a slightly healthier option while maintaining that chewy goodness.
I just know you’re going to love these Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars as much as I do! They’re simple to make, filled with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for any occasion—family gatherings, weekend brunch, or even as a midnight snack! If you make these, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know how they turned out, and feel free to share your creative spins! Happy baking!
