Oatmeal Cookie Bars: Delicious Recipes for a Perfect Treat

Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the comforting flavors of traditional oatmeal cookies with the convenience of a bar format. As someone who has always cherished the warm, chewy texture of oatmeal cookies, I find that these bars elevate that experience to a whole new level. Originating from classic cookie recipes, oatmeal cookie bars have become a beloved staple in many households, often enjoyed during family gatherings or as a quick snack on busy days.

What I love most about Oatmeal Cookie Bars is their versatility; they can be customized with various add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. The combination of wholesome oats and sweet ingredients creates a satisfying treat that is not only delicious but also offers a sense of nostalgia. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a wholesome snack, Oatmeal Cookie Bars are sure to please your taste buds and bring a smile to your face!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips (or raisins, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get started on these delicious oatmeal cookie bars! First, we need to prepare our batter. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that our cookie bars bake evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This will help distribute the baking soda and spices evenly throughout the batter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing well after each addition. This helps to avoid any lumps and ensures that everything is evenly incorporated.
6. Once the batter is well mixed, fold in the chocolate chips (or raisins) and chopped nuts, if you’re using them. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Preparing the Baking Dish

Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to prepare the baking dish.

1. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with a little bit of butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the pan.
2. If you prefer, you can also line the baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out once they are baked. Just make sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Cooking Process

With our batter and baking dish ready, let’s move on to the cooking process.

1. Pour the oatmeal cookie batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure it reaches all the corners of the dish.
2. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. I recommend checking them at the 25-minute mark. The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
3. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut the bars without them falling apart.

Assembling and Serving

Now that our cookie bars are baked and cooled, it’s time to assemble and serve them!

1. Using the overhanging parchment paper (if you used it), carefully lift the cookie bars out of the baking dish and place them on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually cut them into about 12-16 bars, but you can make them smaller or larger based on how you like to serve them.
3. Transfer the cut bars to a serving plate or an airtight container for storage. If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations

Conclusion:

In summary, these oatmeal cookie bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously chewy and satisfying treat. The combination of wholesome oats, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts, to make them uniquely yours. I highly recommend serving these bars warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra special dessert. They also make for a fantastic snack or breakfast option when paired with a cup of coffee or tea. I encourage you to give this oatmeal cookie bars recipe a try and experience the joy of baking something that not only tastes amazing but also fills your home with a delightful aroma. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Happy baking!

Print