Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars: A Simple and Scrumptious Treat
These Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make, bursting with sweet and tart raspberry flavor, and have a wonderfully chewy and slightly crumbly texture. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the delightful tang of raspberries to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick bake for a weekend brunch, a lunchbox snack, or a comforting dessert, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. They are also easily adaptable with different berries and toppings, offering endless variations to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of oats, brown sugar, and raspberries creates a delightful sweet and tangy flavor profile.
* **Perfect Texture:** The bars have a chewy base and a slightly crumbly top, providing a satisfying textural contrast.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different berries, nuts, or chocolate chips.
* **Great for Any Occasion:** Ideal for breakfast, snacks, desserts, potlucks, or bake sales.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these ingredients:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Provides structure to the bars. You can also use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
* **Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats):** Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor. Avoid using instant oats, as they will make the bars too soft.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Sweetens the bars and helps create a crisp top.
* **Baking Soda:** Leavens the bars, helping them rise slightly.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Unsalted Butter:** Adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
* **Egg:** Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Fresh or Frozen Raspberries:** The star of the show! Fresh raspberries are best when in season, but frozen raspberries work just as well. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter.
* **Optional Toppings:** Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), chocolate chips, a sprinkle of extra oats, or a drizzle of icing.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** This is the standard size for cookie bars. You can also use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker bars, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar easier, but you can also do it by hand.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking pan for easy removal of the bars.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading the batter evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Adjust the rack to the center position.
* Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after baking. You can also lightly grease the pan with cooking spray if you prefer.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
* In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. If doing it by hand, it will take a bit longer.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
* Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
Step 6: Fold in the Raspberries
* Gently fold in the fresh or frozen raspberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them beforehand.
Step 7: Press the Batter into the Pan
* Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use a rubber spatula or your fingers to spread it out. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed to ensure the bars bake evenly.
Step 8: Add Optional Toppings (Optional)
* If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of extra oats. You can also add a drizzle of icing after the bars have cooled.
Step 9: Bake the Bars
* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
* Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator.
* Once the bars are completely cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
Tips for Perfect Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars
* **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Softened butter creams more easily with sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier batter.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries:** Fresh raspberries are best when in season, but frozen raspberries work just as well. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter.
* **Line the Pan with Parchment Paper:** This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after baking and prevents them from sticking.
* **Let the Bars Cool Completely:** This prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the bars and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Add a Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Vary the Berries:** Substitute blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for the raspberries.
* **Add Nuts:** Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for added crunch.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Variations
These Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars are delicious as is, but here are a few variations to try:
* **Blueberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars:** Substitute blueberries for the raspberries for a different flavor profile.
* **Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars:** Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nutty Oatmeal Cookie Bars:** Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
* **Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie Bars:** Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
These Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Serve with a glass of milk or coffee.**
* **Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.**
* **Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.**
* **Serve as part of a dessert platter.**
* **Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.**
Storage Instructions
* **Store:** Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Card
Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:
**Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars**
**Yields:** 16-24 bars
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
* Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, extra oats
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in raspberries until evenly distributed.
7. Press batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Sprinkle with optional toppings if desired.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
10. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars!
Conclusion
These Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The combination of oats, brown sugar, and raspberries creates a delicious flavor and texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or a comforting dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars. Happy baking!