Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Introduction

Are you a fan of oatmeal raisin cookies but find yourself wanting something a little more convenient? Look no further than these delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars. Packed with the same comforting flavors of the classic cookie, these bars are easy to make and perfect for on-the-go snacking or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

To make these oatmeal raisin cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup brown sugar, packed

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 3 cups old-fashioned oats

– 1 1/2 cups raisins

Steps

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add the oats and raisins

Stir in the old-fashioned oats and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Press the dough into the pan

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly using the back of a spoon or your fingertips.

Step 7: Bake and cool

Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Variations

Feel free to customize your oatmeal raisin cookie bars with these variations:

1. Nuts:

Add a crunchy texture by including chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough.

2. Chocolate chips:

For a touch of indulgence, mix in some chocolate chips with the dough.

3. Cinnamon:

Enhance the warm flavors by adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.

Tips

Consider these tips for perfect oatmeal raisin cookie bars:

– Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.

– Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a tough texture.

– Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.

Conclusion

Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie. With their chewy texture, sweet raisins, and hearty oats, these bars are sure to satisfy any cookie craving. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, they are a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture of the bars may be slightly different.

2. Can I freeze oatmeal raisin cookie bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container before freezing. They can be thawed at room temperature or reheated in the microwave for a quick treat.