Oh, where do I even begin with these Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars? Just the thought of them brings a smile to my face—I can already smell that warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness wafting through the air! These cookie bars are my ultimate comfort treat, like a warm hug in dessert form. Whenever I make them, it feels like a cozy afternoon spent in my childhood kitchen, standing on a stool as I helped my mom mix the batter while raiding the pantry for chocolate chips (sorry, not sorry!).
What I love most about these bars is how easy they are to whip up. Just throw together some staple ingredients, press them into a pan, and before you know it, you have a chewy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all to yourself while huddled on the couch with your favorite movie. Trust me, they won’t last long once you take that first bite!
What’s in Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Old-Fashioned Oats: These oats are the star ingredient! They give the bars that delightful chewy texture that makes you want to go back for seconds—okay, maybe thirds.
Brown Sugar: The secret to that deep, rich flavor lies in the brown sugar. It adds sweetness and moisture and gives the bars that lovely caramel-like essence. I always opt for light brown sugar, but dark brown can also do the trick!
Butter: Ah, butter—aren’t we all just a bit better with it? This ingredient not only adds richness but also ensures the bars remain soft and chewy instead of drying out.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base, helping to hold everything together. Just the right amount will work wonders.
Baking Soda: I simply consider this the magic element! A bit of it will help the cookie bars rise to the occasion and keep them nice and fluffy.
Cinnamon: The warm hug of spices! Cinnamon adds that nice, cozy taste that makes these bars feel like home.
Salt: Just a pinch. It enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Raisins: A traditional addition! Their chewy texture complements the oats beautifully, making each bite delightful. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap out raisins for chocolate chips or nuts—same deliciousness, different vibe!
Is Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s chat health benefits! While these bars are definitely a treat, they do come with some redeeming qualities.
Oats: They’re a great source of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. Plus, oats can help with heart health and provide lasting energy—so maybe you can tell yourself you’re being a little healthy when chowing down on these bars.
Raisins: These little gems are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They give you that sweet burst without the need for additional sugar, so hooray for that!
However, like all desserts, moderation is key. The sugar and butter content means these treats should be enjoyed on special occasions or as an occasional snack—perfectly acceptable, right?
Ingredients List
– 2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup raisins
This recipe makes about 16 hearty cookie bars.
How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later!
2. **In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients**: in one bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a whisk to combine everything nicely.
3. **In another bowl**, cream together the butter with brown and granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and light. I usually do this for about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Add the eggs and vanilla** to the butter mixture, beating them in until well-combined.
5. **Gradually add the dry ingredients** to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—nobody likes tough bars!
6. **Fold in the raisins**.
7. **Spread the mixture into the prepared pan** and smooth it out into an even layer.
8. **Bake for 25-30 minutes**, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. **Let it cool** in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, cut into bars and dig in!
Sweet Suggestions for These Bars!
– Want to mix things up? Try adding chopped nuts or swapping raisins for chocolate chips or dried cranberries!
– Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate indulgence.
– Don’t forget to store your cookie bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Trust me, they won’t last long anyway!
I can’t wait for you to try making these Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars yourself! They’re perfect for lunchboxes, an afternoon snack, or just to please your sweet tooth. When you do, let me know how they turn out—I’m always eager to hear about your culinary adventures! Happy baking!
