Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Introduction

As an avid baker, I am always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make treats. One of my all-time favorites is the classic oatmeal raisin cookie. However, sometimes I don’t have the time or patience to roll individual cookies, which is why I love making oatmeal raisin cookie bars. These bars have all the flavor of traditional oatmeal raisin cookies but require less effort and time. They are perfect for a quick snack or dessert option. In this article, I will share my go-to recipe for oatmeal raisin cookie bars and some variations for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

Ingredients

To make a batch of these delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup of packed brown sugar

– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

– 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon of baking soda

– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon of salt

– 3 cups of old-fashioned oats

– 1 1/2 cups of raisins

Steps by Step Instructions

Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making these delicious oatmeal raisin cookie bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the bars bake evenly and have a golden brown color.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. The creaming process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a softer and chewier texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The eggs act as binders, helping to hold the ingredients together.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher texture.

Step 6: Fold in the Oats and Raisins

Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The oats provide a hearty texture, while the raisins add sweetness and chewiness.

Step 7: Spread the Dough in a Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and spread the cookie dough evenly in the pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough down firmly.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Keto and Low Carb Variations

If you are following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of oatmeal raisin cookie bars with a few simple substitutions:

– Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.

– Use a keto-friendly sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, instead of brown sugar and granulated sugar.

– Opt for unsweetened dried cranberries or chopped nuts instead of raisins.

– Increase the amount of cinnamon for added flavor.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your oatmeal raisin cookie bars turn out perfect every time:

– Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create a creamy and light texture.

– Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.

– Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will prevent them from crumbling.

– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Oatmeal raisin cookie bars are a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional oatmeal raisin cookies. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you follow the classic recipe or opt for a keto or low-carb variation, these bars are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try!