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Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Oatmeal Cookie Bars: A Delightful Treat
Oatmeal cookie bars combine the classic goodness of oatmeal cookies with the convenience of a bar format. They are chewy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a school lunch, a quick snack, or a sweet dessert. Made with simple ingredients that most people already have at home, these bars fit seamlessly into everyday life. Plus, you can easily customize them according to your taste, making them suitable for everyone from kids to adults.
So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful oatmeal cookie bars? Here, we’ll explore why you should make this recipe, how to prepare it step by step, and how to enjoy your delicious creation to the fullest.
Why Make This Recipe
Everyone loves a good dessert, and oatmeal cookie bars are a fantastic choice for so many reasons:
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Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip up a batch in no time, giving you more moments to enjoy your treat.
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Healthier Option: Oats are packed with fiber, which can help you feel full. While these bars are still a dessert, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional sugary snacks.
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Versatile: You can customize your oatmeal cookie bars easily. Add nuts, dried fruits, or various chips to match your cravings or dietary needs.
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Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them great for gatherings, parties, or potlucks.
In short, making oatmeal cookie bars is a fun and rewarding experience that brings joy to anyone who takes a bite.
How to Make Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Creating these delicious bars is straightforward. Let’s break it down into the essential ingredients and the step-by-step directions you will follow to produce a batch that will impress everyone around you.
Ingredients
To make oatmeal cookie bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your oatmeal cookie bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if you choose to use them.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
With these easy directions, you’ll have a wonderful batch of oatmeal cookie bars ready to share with friends and family in no time!
How to Serve Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Serving your oatmeal cookie bars is simple and fun. Here are a few ideas to enhance your serving:
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Plain: The bars are perfect as they are! Cut them into squares, place them on a plate, and enjoy.
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With Ice Cream: Serve warm oatmeal cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
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Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness and flair.
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Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bars alongside your favorite hot beverage for a delightful snack time.
Feel free to get creative with your serving! The beauty of these bars lies in their versatility.
How to Store Oatmeal Cookie Bars
To maintain the freshness of your oatmeal cookie bars, follow these simple storage tips:
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Room Temperature: Store the cooled bars at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll last for about 3-5 days.
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Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge. They can last for up to a week but may become a bit firmer.
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Freezing: If you want to save some for later, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Proper storage helps keep your oatmeal cookie bars delicious for as long as possible!
Tips to Make Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Consider these helpful tips when making oatmeal cookie bars to elevate your baking experience:
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Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps with the creaming process and gives you the right texture.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
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Knife for Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars after they are cool to ensure clean edges.
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Test for Doneness: Check the bars during baking. They might not look fully set in the middle but will firm up as they cool.
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Recipe Variations: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even peanut butter swirls for a unique twist.
These tips will help you achieve the best possible oatmeal cookie bars!
Variation
While the classic oatmeal cookie bars are delicious on their own, you can try some variations to suit your taste:
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Nutty Oatmeal Bars: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an added crunch.
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Dried Fruit: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweeter, chewier texture.
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Spiced Oatmeal Bars: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spiced flavor that perfectly complements the oats.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in creamy peanut butter before baking for that rich flavor combination.
Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences!
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
2. Can I make these oatmeal cookie bars without sugar?
You can substitute sugars with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. However, the texture might vary slightly.
3. How do I know if the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown and firm to touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to create amazing oatmeal cookie bars that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Print
Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and chewy oatmeal cookie bars, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
Serve with ice cream or drizzled with chocolate/caramel for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: oatmeal, cookie bars, dessert, baking, easy recipe
