Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookies.These tender and chewy bars combine the robust texture of oats with the natural sweetness of raisins. They’re simple to make, customizable, and ideal for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, serving them at a party, or packing them in lunchboxes.
Get ready to dive into this delicious treat, and discover how you can make your own at home!
Why Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
When it comes to oatmeal raisin bars, many of us think of the chewy, comforting texture and the slight crunch from the oats paired with the juicy raisins. But why are these cookie bars so beloved? Well, first and foremost, they’re an easier-to-make alternative to traditional cookies. With just one pan and less mess, these bars cut down on preparation time, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute snacks.
In addition to convenience, oatmeal raisin cookie bars have a deliciously hearty flavor thanks to their wholesome ingredients. The oats provide fiber and a satisfying texture, while raisins add natural sweetness. They’re also versatile—you can easily swap out the raisins for other dried fruits or add in chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. This versatility is a key reason why these bars are so popular!
What Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Simply put, oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a baked treat that combines oats and raisins in a chewy bar form, rather than the traditional round cookie shape. They share all the characteristics of oatmeal raisin cookies but with the added convenience of bars. These bars are typically made by combining wet ingredients (like butter, eggs, and sugar) with dry ingredients (such as oats, flour, and spices), then baking the mixture in a rectangular pan.
The best part about oatmeal raisin cookie bars is how easy they are to make. You don’t need a lot of special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking pan. After baking, you simply slice them into bars, and you have a perfect snack or dessert ready to serve!
Ingredients and Preparation
When it comes to making the perfect batch of oatmeal raisin cookie bars, the ingredients you use play a huge role in the final outcome. From the oats to the raisins, each component contributes to the flavor and texture of the bars. Let’s dive into the key ingredients and the step-by-step preparation that will have you baking like a pro in no time!
Essential Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
To get started with your oatmeal raisin cookie bars, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to create a chewy, flavorful treat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Oats: The star ingredient in these bars. You’ll need rolled oats, which give these bars their hearty texture and nutty flavor. While you can use quick oats in a pinch, rolled oats are preferred for their chewy texture.
- Raisins: These are the sweet bite-sized nuggets that really elevate the flavor of your bars. While raisins are traditional, feel free to experiment with other dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, for a fun twist.
- Sugar: You’ll need a combination of white sugar and brown sugar. The white sugar provides sweetness, while the brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that perfectly complements the oats.
- Butter: For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, unsalted butter is the way to go. It adds flavor and helps bind everything together.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for holding the bars together and giving them that soft, chewy texture. They also add moisture and a bit of richness to the dough.
- Baking Soda and Salt: These ingredients are crucial for helping the bars rise and balance out the sweetness of the sugar.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: While these warm spices are optional, they’re highly suggested for enhancing your bars with a cozy, comforting flavor. They pair wonderfully with the raisins and oats.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the simple steps to make oatmeal raisin cookie bars.
- Prepare the Oven: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. This ensures that your oven is the perfect temperature when it’s time to bake your bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and both types of sugar. You can use a hand mixer or do it manually with a whisk. Once smooth, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and whisk until well mixed. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gradually mix in your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined. Then fold in the rolled oats and raisins. Make sure the oats are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent texture in every bite.
- Spread and Bake: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and evenly spread the dough inside. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Once your oatmeal raisin cookie bars are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing them into bars.
Variations of the recipe
Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are incredibly versatile, meaning you can customize them to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to make a healthier version, or simply switch up the flavor, there are several fun variations to try! Let’s look at a few different takes on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie bars.
Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
For those who enjoy the traditional flavors,Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a great place to start. These bars feature the perfect balance of chewy oats and sweet raisins, with just a hint of cinnamon to warm things up. The base recipe uses the ingredients we covered earlier, and they’re just as comforting and satisfying as the traditional cookie. If you’re craving the familiar, this classic version won’t disappoint.
Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can easily transform your oatmeal raisin cookie bars into a vegan-friendly treat! Instead of using butter, substitute it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. You can also replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes) or a banana for added moisture. Just like the classic version, these vegan bars will come out delicious and chewy—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying true to your dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookie bars are the way to go. You can swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour, which can be found at most grocery stores. If you’re making these bars for someone with severe gluten intolerance, make sure all your ingredients, including oats and raisins, are certified gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly from the traditional version, but these bars will still be irresistibly chewy and flavorful.
Add-ins and Customizations
While raisins are a classic ingredient, oatmeal raisin cookie bars are perfect for customization! Here are some ideas for delicious add-ins that can elevate your bars even further:
- Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in some dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the oats and raisins.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds can add a delightful crunch to your bars, making them even more satisfying.
- Other Dried Fruits: Try swapping raisins for dried cranberries, apricots, or even dried cherries for a fresh twist on flavor.
- Seeds: For a little extra nutrition, add some chia seeds or sunflower seeds to the batter.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Not only are oatmeal raisin cookie bars delicious, but they also offer several health benefits thanks to the wholesome ingredients they contain. From the fiber in oats to the antioxidants in raisins, these bars can actually be a nutritious treat when enjoyed in moderation. Let’s dive into the health benefits and nutritional information of these tasty bars!
Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Healthy?
The short answer is: yes, oatmeal raisin cookie bars can be a healthier option compared to many other desserts. Oats are a great source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer. The soluble fiber in oats also plays a role in reducing cholesterol levels. Plus, the raisins add a burst of natural sweetness without the need for excessive amounts of refined sugar.
In addition to fiber, raisins are packed with antioxidants, which are known for their role in combating free radicals in the body. They also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving (about 1 bar) of oatmeal raisin cookie bars.
- Calories: 150-200
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Fat: 7-9g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 12-15g
Can Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars be a Healthier Dessert?
Absolutely! You can make your oatmeal raisin cookie bars even healthier with a few simple adjustments. Here are some tips:
- Use whole grain oats: Instead of regular oats, opt for whole grain oats to increase the fiber content.
- Swap out refined sugar: Try using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to reduce the refined sugar content.
- Add more nuts or seeds: For a protein boost, add chia seeds or flaxseeds. These will add healthy fats and omega-3s.
- Reduce butter: You can also reduce the amount of butter or replace it with applesauce for a lower-fat alternative.
FAQs
1. Should you soak raisins before baking cookies?
Soaking raisins before baking oatmeal raisin cookie bars is a common tip, but it’s entirely optional. Soaking the raisins in warm water or juice for about 10-15 minutes can make them plump and juicy, which gives them a softer texture when baked. This method helps prevent the raisins from drying out in the baking process, especially if you’re using older or drier raisins. However, if you prefer your raisins with a bit more bite and chewiness, you can skip the soaking process. Either way, your bars will turn out delicious!
2. Is eating oatmeal raisin cookies healthy?
Oatmeal raisin cookie bars make a healthier dessert choice, especially when compared to indulgent options like chocolate chip cookies or cakes. Oats provide plenty of fiber, promoting better digestion and supporting heart health.Raisins are a natural source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.However, remember that recipe still include sugar and butter, so enjoy them in moderation. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can make some easy swaps like reducing the sugar or using applesauce in place of some of the butter. This way, you can enjoy your cookie bars without feeling guilty!
3. Should you refrigerate oatmeal raisin cookie dough before baking?
Refrigerating oatmeal raisin cookie dough before baking is a good practice, though not mandatory. Letting the dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the ingredients to fully incorporate and allows the dough to firm up. This leads to thicker, chewier cookie bars that maintain their shape better while baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chilling step, but refrigerating the dough will typically give you better results, especially for thicker bars.
4. Does Costco sell oatmeal raisin cookies?
Yes, Costco does sell oatmeal raisin cookies! They offer a variety of baked goods, including large packs of oatmeal raisin cookies. These cookies are often made in bulk and are known for their soft, chewy texture. If you’re looking for a quick snack or dessert option, Costco’s oatmeal raisin cookies are a convenient choice. However, if you’re in the mood to make your own, homemade oatmeal raisin cookie bars allow you to control the ingredients and create a healthier version tailored to your taste!