Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

4. Add the Raisins and Nuts:

Fold in the raisins and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans. The nuts add a delightful crunch, but they’re optional if you prefer a simpler bar.

5. Bake the Bars:

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down slightly to ensure it is compact. 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.

6. Cool and Slice:

Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars, depending on your preference.

Tips for Success:

• Oats: For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats can work, but they may not provide the same chewy texture.
• Customization: Feel free to swap the raisins for other dried fruits, such as cranberries or chopped dates, for a fun twist. You can also add chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent.
• Storage: Store the oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to make a batch ahead of time.
• Healthier Option: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce and reduce the sugar slightly. The bars will still be delicious, but with a bit less richness.

Conclusion:

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and satisfying. With the familiar flavors of oatmeal, cinnamon, and raisins in every bite, these bars are a nostalgic treat that everyone will enjoy. They’re great for an after-school snack, a quick breakfast on the go, or a comforting dessert to share with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these bars are an easy and delicious way to enjoy the classic oatmeal raisin cookie in a whole new way. Enjoy!