If you love the warm, comforting taste of classic oatmeal raisin cookies, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. They have all the chewy goodness of traditional oatmeal cookies but in an easy-to-make bar form—perfect for slicing and sharing.
I love this recipe because it’s simple, requires minimal effort, and gives you thick, soft, and flavorful bars with just the right amount of sweet raisins and warm cinnamon spice. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dessert, snack, or even breakfast, these bars are always a hit.
Let’s dive into how to make these chewy, delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy, and full of flavor – A comforting and nostalgic treat.
- Easier than cookies – No scooping or rolling dough required.
- Perfect for meal prep – Great for lunchboxes, snacks, or breakfast on the go.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut for extra texture!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 12 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 25 minutes)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Fold Everything Together
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the raisins and walnuts (if using).
5. Bake Until Golden
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Cut into squares and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
My Best Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Use old-fashioned oats – They give the best chewy texture.
- Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them for extra plumpness.
- Let them cool before slicing – This helps them set and hold their shape.
- Add extra mix-ins – Try shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, or a drizzle of icing!
What to Serve with Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
These bars pair beautifully with:
- A glass of cold milk – A classic combination.
- Hot coffee or tea – Perfect for a cozy snack.
- Vanilla ice cream – For an indulgent dessert.
- A spread of peanut or almond butter – For a protein boost.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze oatmeal raisin cookie bars?
Absolutely! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the raisins?
Yes! Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips instead.
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, making them the perfect snack, dessert, or breakfast treat. Whether you’re baking them for your family, meal prepping, or bringing them to a gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
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