Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Introduction

These chewy and flavorful oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a delightful treat. Packed with warm spices, sweet raisins, and hearty oats, they are perfect for a quick dessert or snack.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Rolled oats: 200g

All-purpose flour: 150g

Brown sugar: 100g

Granulated sugar: 100g

Unsalted butter, melted: 120g

Large egg: 1

Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Baking soda: ½ tsp

Salt: ½ tsp

Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp

Raisins: 120g

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 12 bars

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients.

5. Stir in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed in the dough.

6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

7. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

8. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a baking pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Incorporate Oats and Raisins

Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stir in the rolled oats and raisins. Mix gently until the oats and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan

Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly to form a uniform layer.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

Storage Tips

Store the oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Substitutions

Feel free to substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These bars can be enjoyed on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Storage Instructions

To keep your oatmeal raisin cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars for up to 2 weeks. If you wish to keep them for an extended period, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Serving Suggestions

These oatmeal raisin cookie bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. For a creative twist, try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before serving. They also make a great lunchbox treat for kids and adults alike!

Nutritional Information

Each oatmeal raisin cookie bar contains approximately:
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g

These values are based on a serving size of one bar and may vary depending on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for any of the ingredients, consider the following options:
- For rolled oats, you can use quick oats, but the texture may differ.
- All-purpose flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Instead of brown sugar, coconut sugar or maple syrup can work as alternatives for added warmth and sweetness.
- If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in place of unsalted butter.
- You can swap the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes based on your preference.

Cook techniques

Mixing Wet Ingredients

Ensure your melted butter is not too hot before mixing it with the sugars. This will help create a smooth mixture and prevent the egg from cooking.

Properly Measuring Oats and Flour

For best results, spoon the rolled oats and flour into measuring cups and level them off with a knife. This prevents compacting and ensures accuracy.

Folding Ingredients

When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, fold gently. This method helps maintain the airiness of the batter, resulting in chewy bars.

Pressing the Dough

Use a spatula or your hands to evenly press the dough into the corners of the baking pan. Ensuring the dough is spread uniformly will help it bake evenly.

Checking for Doneness

Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. They should be golden brown and set in the center; a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Cooling Before Cutting

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This will help them firm up and make cutting into squares easier without crumbling.

FAQ

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture.

Can I substitute raisins with other add-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute raisins with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries according to your preference.

How should I store the leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer shelf life.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier twist, but it may alter the texture slightly.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter instead, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to maintain the right flavor balance.

Conclusion

These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a scrumptious and satisfying dessert option, combining wholesome ingredients to create a chewy, flavorful treat. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to please both family and friends.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Swap out the raisins for chocolate chips for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.

Nutty Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to enhance the texture and flavor of your cookie bars.

Coconut Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the raisins.

Dried Fruit and Nut Oatmeal Bars

Mix in a variety of dried fruits, such as cranberries and apricots, along with different nuts for a nutritious and flavorful combination.

Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Enhance the spice profile by adding nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an extra kick of flavor.