Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485550H59M33S
Total time: PT-485550H59M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups raisins; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

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I love how these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of plump raisins. They come out soft and chewy in the center with just a hint of crispiness on the edges, making them perfect for an anytime snack or a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups raisins

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the raisins and nuts if using.

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and gently press it down to flatten.

Bake for 25–30 minutes until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crispy while the center remains soft.

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 to 16 bars, depending on how large I cut them. The preparation takes roughly 15 minutes, and baking requires about 25 to 30 minutes, so I have a delicious batch ready in under an hour.

Variations

Coconut twist: I add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor.

Chocolate chips: Mixing in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips gives the bars a richer, sweeter taste.

Spicy kick: I like to sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to give the bars a warm, spicy note.

Storage/Reheating

I store these oatmeal raisin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, they freeze well—wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, I reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

I recommend sticking to rolled oats for the best texture since quick oats tend to make the bars softer and less chewy.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, I’ve tried substituting with a gluten-free flour blend and it worked well.

Can I replace raisins with another dried fruit?

Absolutely! I sometimes swap raisins for dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates depending on what I have.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

I check by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no raw batter.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and they still turn out delicious.

Conclusion

These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are one of my favorite go-to treats for a quick, satisfying snack that feels homemade. Their comforting flavors and easy preparation make them a staple in my baking routine. Whether I keep them classic or try one of the variations, they always disappear fast.

Recipe:

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12-16 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in raisins and nuts if using.
Spread dough evenly into prepared baking dish and press down gently to flatten.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.