Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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🍪 Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars — Soft, Chewy & Comforting

🧁 Introduction

If you love classic oatmeal raisin cookies but want something easier and quicker, these oatmeal raisin cookie bars are perfect for you. They deliver that same warm, chewy texture and rich cinnamon flavor—just baked in one pan and sliced into delicious squares.

Given your love for cozy, simple bakes like your Death by Chocolate Dump Cake and Cloud Cake routine, this recipe fits right into your style: easy, satisfying, and perfect for sharing (or not 😄).

🧾 Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (if you want a twist!)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking pan (9×13 inch) with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients:
    In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Cream butter & sugars:
    In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs & vanilla:
    Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Combine:
    Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  6. Fold in oats & raisins:
    Stir until evenly combined.
  7. Spread & bake:
    Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
    Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Cool & slice:
    Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

🔥 Methods & Tips

✔️ Method 1: Classic Soft Bars

Bake just until the edges are set and center is slightly soft for chewy bars.

✔️ Method 2: Crisp-Edge Bars

Bake an extra 3–5 minutes for firmer edges and a slightly crisp top.

✔️ Method 3: Extra Moist

Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or a spoon of yogurt to the batter.

Pro Tips:

  • Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes for extra juiciness
  • Don’t overbake—this keeps them soft and chewy
  • Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor

📜 History of Oatmeal Raisin Treats

Oat-based desserts date back to Scotland, where oats were a staple grain. Raisins became popular additions in baking during the 19th century as sugar became more accessible.

The modern oatmeal raisin cookie gained popularity in the early 1900s, especially thanks to recipes printed by companies like , making it a household classic across generations.

🧱 Formation (Texture & Structure)

These cookie bars are all about balance:

  • Oats → chewy texture
  • Butter & sugar → rich, soft crumb
  • Flour → structure
  • Eggs → binding and moisture
  • Raisins → bursts of sweetness

The result: a soft center with slightly crisp edges—perfect cookie-bar harmony.

❤️ Why People Love Them

  • Easy one-pan recipe (less mess!)
  • Nostalgic, comforting flavor
  • Great for lunchboxes or tea time
  • Customizable with nuts or chocolate

🏁 Conclusion

Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are the ultimate comfort dessert—simple, hearty, and full of warm flavors. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a next-day snack, they’re guaranteed to bring a little homemade joy.

If you want, I can turn this into a frosted version or a healthy oat version like your apple oatmeal cookies 🍏

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