Description
Enjoy these chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, featuring a delicious combination of oats, sweet raisins, and optional nuts. Perfect for snacks, desserts, or a quick breakfast, these easy-to-make bars are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling slightly, cut into squares or rectangles (about 24 bars). Let them cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg with the dry ingredients.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a different flavor.
- For chewier bars, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes