Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars – Chewy, Soft & Irresistible!

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy flavors of oatmeal raisin cookies, but what if we took all that chewy goodness and made it even easier? Enter these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! They’re thick, soft, packed with sweet raisins, warm cinnamon, and hearty oats, and best of all—you don’t have to scoop individual cookies! Just press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice into perfect, chewy bars.

These bars are quick to make, naturally sweetened with brown sugar, and bursting with classic oatmeal cookie flavor. They make an excellent snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, and you can even customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut.

Let’s dive into the recipe, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious baked goods straight to your inbox!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (for extra chewiness)

Mix-Ins:

• ¾ cup raisins (or more, to taste)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for a twist)

Equipment

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups & spoons

Substitutions and Variations

No raisins? → Use dried cranberries, chopped dates, or leave them out.
Want extra crunch? → Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Prefer a chocolate twist? → Swap raisins for chocolate chips or use both!
Dairy-free? → Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
Gluten-free? → Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Instructions – How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Preheat & Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

4. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
5. Add the egg, vanilla, and milk, whisking until well combined.

Combine & Fold in Mix-Ins

6. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
7. Fold in the raisins (and nuts or chocolate chips, if using).

Bake to Perfection

8. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set.
10. Let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Slice & Enjoy!

11. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars and enjoy!

What to Serve with Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with:

• A glass of cold milk – Classic and perfect for dunking!
• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce – For extra indulgence.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Turns it into a next-level dessert!
• A warm cup of coffee or tea – For the perfect afternoon treat.

Helpful Tips for the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Want chewy, flavorful, and perfectly baked cookie bars every time? Follow these pro tips to make sure your bars turn out amazing!

1. Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats for the Best Texture

• Rolled oats create a chewy, hearty texture in the bars.
• Quick oats will make them softer, while steel-cut oats won’t work in this recipe.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

• Overmixing leads to dense, tough bars.
• Mix the dry ingredients just until combined to keep the bars soft and tender.

3. Soak the Raisins for Extra Juiciness

• Raisins can sometimes be dry, so soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the dough.
• This keeps them plump and juicy in every bite!

4. Add 2 Tablespoons of Milk for Extra Chewiness

• This little trick makes a big difference—it helps keep the bars moist and chewy.
• If you like softer bars, don’t skip this step!

5. Line the Pan with Parchment Paper for Easy Removal

• Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the bars out for slicing.
• Leave a bit of overhang to create “handles” for easy removal.

6. Don’t Overbake!

• The bars should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.
• They’ll firm up as they cool but stay perfectly chewy inside.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking around 18 minutes to avoid dryness.

7. Let the Bars Cool Before Slicing

• Warm bars will be too soft and may fall apart when cut.
• Let them cool for at least 20 minutes for clean, even slices.

8. Store with a Slice of Bread to Keep Them Soft

• Place a slice of bread in the container with the bars—the bread absorbs excess air and keeps the bars fresh and chewy!

9. Want a Flavor Boost? Try These Add-Ins!

• Chocolate Chips → For a classic oatmeal chocolate chip bar twist.
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans → Adds a delicious crunch!
• Shredded Coconut → Brings extra chewiness and a light coconut flavor.
• A Pinch of Nutmeg → Enhances the warm cinnamon flavor.

10. Cut into Even Bars with a Sharp Knife

For extra neat slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts!

Use a sharp knife (or a bench scraper) to cut clean, even squares.

Conservation and Storage

Want to keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars fresh and chewy for days? Follow these storage tips to enjoy them anytime!

How to Store at Room Temperature

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture!
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight to prevent drying out.

How to Store in the Fridge

• For longer storage, keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Refrigerated bars may firm up slightly—let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.

Freezing Instructions

Want to make ahead and save some for later? These bars freeze beautifully!

Freeze Whole Bars

1. Let the bars cool completely.
2. Wrap the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for extra protection.
3. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Freeze Individual Bars

1. Cut bars into squares.
2. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
3. Store in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Thaw & Reheat

• Room Temperature: Let bars thaw on the counter for 30-60 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds to soften quickly.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked feel.

Quick Tips for Best Storage

Cool completely before storing – Warm bars trap steam, making them soggy.
Use airtight containers – Prevents bars from drying out or absorbing fridge/freezer odors.
Slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go treats – Great for quick snacks or lunchboxes!

With these easy storage tips, you can enjoy soft, chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars anytime—fresh, frozen, or reheated to perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars? Check out these common FAQs to help you bake the chewiest, most delicious bars!

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the bars will have a softer, less chewy texture. If using quick oats, slightly reduce the flour by 2-3 tablespoons to avoid dry bars.

3. Why are my bars dry instead of chewy?

If your bars turned out dry, check these common mistakes:

• Overbaking – Remove them when the center is still slightly soft.
• Not enough moisture – Make sure to use 2 tablespoons of milk for extra chewiness.
• Too much flour – Lightly spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.

4. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Also, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.

5. Do I need to soak the raisins?

It’s not required, but soaking raisins for 5-10 minutes in warm water makes them plumper and juicier, which improves the texture of the bars. Drain well before mixing in.

6. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Try these delicious mix-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite.
• ½ cup chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• ¼ cup shredded coconut for extra chewiness.

7. How do I cut the bars evenly?

• Use a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean cuts.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
• Wipe the knife clean between slices for neat, even squares.

8. Can I make these into cookies instead of bars?

Yes! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

9. How do I store these bars so they stay fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

10. How do I reheat frozen bars?

• Let them thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
• For a warm, freshly baked feel, heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and spiced goodness! They’re easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for snacking, meal prepping, or gifting.

Try them out and let me know how they turn out! Drop a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on Pinterest with your delicious creations!

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