Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup raisins; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt

My latest oatmeal raisin cookie bars discovery might just revolutionize your weekend baking adventures.

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful treat that blends classic flavors with modern flair.

Soft, chewy textures promise a delectable experience for sweet-tooth enthusiasts.

Wholesome ingredients combine seamlessly to create a nostalgic yet innovative dessert.

Warm spices dance through each bite, inviting memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these bars will become your new go-to indulgence.

Grab a glass of milk and savor every delicious moment.

Boost Family Bonding: Create delightful memories while baking these scrumptious oatmeal raisin cookie bars together, perfect for involving kids in the kitchen and enjoying quality time.
Simplify Baking Adventure: Master this beginner-friendly recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal choice for novice bakers wanting to build confidence.
Versatile Treat Sensation: Enjoy these bars as a sweet snack, dessert, or lunchbox surprise that satisfies all ages with its classic combination of oats and raisins, suitable for potlucks, picnics, and casual gatherings.
Customize with Creativity: Experiment by swapping raisins with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to personalize the recipe and match different taste preferences.

For the Base:

Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds moisture and helps create a tender texture in the cookie bars.
Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bars soft and chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior on the bars.

For the Binding:

Eggs: Act as a binding agent that helps hold the ingredients together and provides structure to the bars.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the bars their shape and texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
Cinnamon, Salt: Add depth of flavor and balance the sweetness of the cookie bars.

For the Mix-Ins:

Rolled Oats, Raisins: Provide texture, chewiness, and bursts of natural sweetness to the cookie bars.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sugar Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter with brown sugar and white sugar. Whip these ingredients until they transform into a fluffy, light mixture that looks almost cloud-like.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs and vanilla extract to your sugar mixture. Blend thoroughly until everything looks smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Components

In a separate bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into your butter blend.

Mix gently until just combined – avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Add Hearty Fillings

Fold in rolled oats and plump raisins.

Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Spread and Smooth

Transfer the cookie bar batter into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring a consistent thickness.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center looks set.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into square bars.

Serve and savor these soft, chewy, and irresistible oatmeal raisin cookie bars!

Pro Tips for Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Swap raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a flavor twist that keeps everyone excited about the recipe.
Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing and better texture in your cookie bars.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars without sticking.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfectly soft and chewy bars.
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delicious texture and freshness.

Gluten-Free Oat Bars: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure certified gluten-free oats for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Chocolate Chip Swap: Substitute raisins with dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chunks for a classic cookie bar variation that appeals to chocolate lovers.
Vegan Friendly Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and select plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free option.
Nutty Enhancement: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost, providing a protein-rich alternative to the traditional recipe.

Pair Sweet Chai Latte: Warm, spicy chai tea complements the cinnamon and oats, creating a cozy flavor harmony that enhances the cookie bars' comforting profile.
Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy texture of the oatmeal raisin bars, balancing sweetness and temperature.
Match Caramel Macchiato: Rich espresso with smooth caramel notes cuts through the sweetness of the bars, offering a sophisticated and robust beverage pairing.
Enjoy Maple Pecan Coffee: Nutty, sweet coffee with maple undertones echoes the oatmeal's warmth and adds depth to the cookie bar's overall flavor experience.

Store cooled bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
Wrap the entire uncut pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Cut bars into squares, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Are these bars suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

These bars contain wheat flour, eggs, and butter, making them unsuitable for gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free diets. However, you can explore alternative ingredient substitutions.

Can I use old-fashioned or quick oats for this recipe?

Yes, both types of oats work well. Old-fashioned oats provide more texture, while quick oats create a softer consistency. Choose based on your preference.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re done.

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.