Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookie Bars
Indulge in these chewy oatmeal raisin spice cookie bars that combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and the natural sweetness of raisins, with a delightful blend of warm spices. Perfect for sharing, these bars are baked in a single pan, making them the ideal treat for gatherings or an afternoon snack. With hints of cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, every bite is both comforting and flavorful. You can easily customize them by substituting with dried cranberries or apricots, creating your own unique twist. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of these delicious bars that are as easy to make as they are to enjoy!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
soft margarine or butter
1/2 cup (softened)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
white sugar
1/3 cup
egg
1 (beaten)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
3/4 cup
baking powder
1/4 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
allspice
1/4 teaspoon
ginger
1/4 teaspoon
rolled oats
1 1/2 cups
raisins
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Brush a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with oil and line it with parchment paper, ensuring you press it down firmly with a slight overhang for easy removal.
3
In a mixing bowl, cream the soft margarine (or butter) until light and fluffy. Gradually add the brown sugar and white sugar, beating the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
5
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6
Fold in the rolled oats and raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7
Using your hands (it can be sticky), press the dough evenly into the lined baking pan, spreading it out to cover the base entirely. Don’t worry if it seems thin; it will rise slightly while baking.
8
Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. For chewier bars, bake on the shorter end of the time spectrum, and for crispier bars, opt for a bit longer.
9
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 3 to 4 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool on a wire rack for another few minutes before cutting into squares.
10
Cool completely before serving to achieve the best texture.
Nutrition Information
3.6g
Fat
12g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookie Bars?
They are a comforting dessert bar made with rolled oats, raisins, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, baked in a single pan for easy sharing.
How many calories are in each cookie bar?
Each bar contains approximately 80 calories.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of soft margarine or softened butter for the recipe.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I bake these bars?
Bake the bars for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 13 x 9 inch baking dish is recommended.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Brush the baking dish with oil and line it with parchment paper, ensuring a slight overhang for easy removal.
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Yes, you can easily substitute raisins with dried cranberries or apricots to create your own twist.
What is the fat content of these oatmeal raisin bars?
Each serving contains 3.6g of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12g of carbohydrates per serving.
What spices give these bars their flavor?
The recipe uses a blend of 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger.
Is there protein in these cookie bars?
Yes, each bar contains approximately 0.8g of protein.
What type of oats should I use?
This recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats.
Do I need to beat the egg before adding it?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies using one beaten egg.
Should the brown sugar be packed?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar for proper measurement and moisture.
What is the first step in preparing the dough?
The first step is to cream the soft margarine or butter until it is light and fluffy before adding the sugars.
How do I get the bars out of the pan easily?
Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan after they have cooled for a few minutes.
Should I use white sugar or brown sugar?
The recipe uses both: 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/3 cup of white sugar for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
How do I achieve a chewier texture?
For chewier bars, bake them on the shorter end of the 15 to 18 minute time spectrum.
How do I achieve a crispier texture?
For crispier bars, opt to bake them for the full 18 minutes or slightly longer.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is incorporated into the creamed mixture.
What type of flour is needed for these bars?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
Does this recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
This recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder.
How do I spread the dough if it is sticky?
You can use your hands to press the dough evenly into the base of the lined baking pan.
How long should the bars cool in the pan?
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 3 to 4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Should I wait before cutting the bars into squares?
Yes, it is recommended to cool the bars completely before serving to achieve the best texture.
What if the dough looks thin in the pan before baking?
Do not worry; the bars will rise slightly while baking and a thin layer ensures they bake into perfect squares.
Are these bars suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, they are described as an ideal treat for an afternoon snack or gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 12 distinct ingredients.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
While the recipe uses cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, you can customize the blend to suit your personal preference.