Discover the taste of homemade goodness with this Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars Recipe. Made with wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and a touch of cinnamon, these bars are the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and crunchy. It's a simple and satisfying snack for any time of the day.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in any home pantry. However, coconut oil, nut butter, coconut sugar, and whole wheat flour may need to be purchased if they're not usually part of your grocery list. They are often found in the health food or baking section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
Rolled oats: These are the main ingredient and provide a hearty texture.
Whole wheat flour: This gives the bars a denser, more filling texture.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet and warm flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness of the bars.
Coconut oil: Used for its health benefits and adds a deliciously subtle coconut flavor.
Nut butter: Adds protein and helps bind the bars together.
Honey: Natural sweetener that also helps to bind the bars.
Coconut sugar: A healthier alternative to regular sugar; it adds a subtle caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla extract: Provides a depth of flavor.
Raisins: These add a touch of sweetness and chewiness to the bars.
Nuts: Adds crunch and extra nutritional value.
One reader, Jillene Wirth says:
These soft oatmeal raisin cookie granola bars are a game-changer! The perfect blend of chewy and crunchy, and the flavors are simply divine. They're a wholesome snack that satisfies my sweet tooth and keeps me energized throughout the day. I can't get enough of them!
Techniques Required for Making Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
How to prepare the baking pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal of the granola bars. This will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and make for easy cleanup.
How to mix the ingredients: Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to combine the oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, salt, coconut oil, nut butter, honey, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, raisins, and nuts until the mixture is well blended. Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
How to press the mixture into the pan: Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared baking pan and press very firmly into an even layer. This will help the granola bars hold together and maintain their shape after baking.
How to cool the bars: After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill for an additional hour. This will help the bars set and hold together for easy cutting.
How to cut the bars: Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut them into individual bars of your desired size. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even cuts.
How to serve: Serve the soft oatmeal raisin cookie granola bars and enjoy as a delicious snack or treat.
How To Make Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
Anyone who appreciates a healthy snack would love these cookie granola bars! Enjoy bites of rolled oats, chopped nuts, and raisins all in one treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupold fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓cupwhole wheat flour,or almond meal
- 1½tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼cupcoconut oil,melted
- ¼cupnut butter
- ¼cuphoney
- ¼cupcoconut sugar,or packed light/dark brown sugar
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- ¾cupraisins
- ¾cupnuts,chopped, optional
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper with enough overhang on the sides. Set aside.
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Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix the oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, salt, coconut oil, nut butter, honey, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, raisins, and nuts together until combined.
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Transfer the mixture to prepared baking pan and press very firmly into an even layer.
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Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until the top appears set and it’s golden brown around the edges.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack for 1 hour, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 1 more hour.
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Remove the bars from the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into bars.
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Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Cover tightly and store at room temperature for 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 169.78kcal
- Fat: 10.03g
- Saturated Fat: 5.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.01g
- Carbohydrates: 19.85g
- Fiber: 1.71g
- Sugar: 11.53g
- Protein: 2.39g
- Cholesterol: 7.63mg
- Sodium: 40.23mg
- Calcium: 14.79mg
- Potassium: 160.66mg
- Iron: 0.73mg
- Vitamin A: 24.36µg
- Vitamin C: 1.12mg
Helpful Technique for Making Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
When pressing the oatmeal raisin cookie granola bar mixture into the pan, use the back of a spatula or a flat-bottomed glass to ensure it's evenly distributed and compact. This will help the bars hold together better after baking and cooling.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly combine the ingredients and achieve a uniform texture for the granola bars.
Chill the dough: Place the dough in the freezer for a shorter amount of time to speed up the cooling process before cutting into bars.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch and storing the extra granola bars for future use, saving time in the long run.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to minimize time spent searching for tools and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars Recipe
old fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes have a similar texture and nutty flavor to oats, making them a suitable replacement in granola bars.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and a moist texture, while also being gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
coconut oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can provide a rich and creamy flavor, and it also helps bind the ingredients together in the granola bars.
nut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter offers a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for those with nut allergies.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the granola bars, and it also complements the other flavors well.
coconut sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar provides a similar caramel-like sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together in the granola bars.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries offer a tart and sweet flavor, adding a delicious twist to the granola bars while still providing chewy texture.
nuts - Substitute with seeds (pumpkin, sunflower): Pumpkin and sunflower seeds offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, providing a delicious alternative to nuts for those with allergies.
Presenting Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the soft oatmeal raisin cookie granola bars, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and minimalistic plating to showcase the natural beauty of the bars.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream to contrast the chewy texture of the granola bars. This will elevate the overall dining experience and add a luxurious touch to the dish.
Garnish with fresh fruits: Introduce vibrant colors and refreshing flavors by garnishing the plate with a selection of fresh berries or thinly sliced figs. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of natural sweetness to complement the granola bars.
Utilize edible flowers: Incorporate delicate and edible flowers such as lavender or rose petals to add a touch of sophistication and a subtle floral aroma to the presentation. This elevates the dish and creates a sensory experience for the diners.
Create a harmonious composition: Pay attention to the balance of colors and shapes on the plate. Arrange the granola bars alongside the accompaniments in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the presentation is both inviting and artfully composed.
Essential Tools for Making Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to make dough, grind nuts, and blend various mixtures.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a kitchen essential for combining ingredients, whisking, and stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is used for preparing batters, doughs, and marinades.
Storing and Freezing Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
- Let the granola bars cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, place the bars in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To prevent the bars from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between each bar before freezing.
- Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Keep in mind that the bars will become harder and chewier when refrigerated.
- To maintain optimal freshness and flavor, make sure the container or bag is sealed tightly to prevent air and moisture from entering.
- If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off-smell, discard the affected bars immediately.
- For best results, consume the granola bars within the recommended storage time to ensure the best taste and texture.
How to Reheat Leftover Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the leftover granola bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore some of the crunchiness and bring out the flavors of the cinnamon, nuts, and raisins.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the granola bars in aluminum foil and place them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The foil will help prevent the bars from drying out and maintain their chewy texture. The coconut oil and nut butter will melt slightly, making the bars even more delicious.
For a quick and easy method, place the granola bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will soften the bars and make them warm and gooey. Be careful not to overheat them, as the honey and coconut sugar can burn quickly in the microwave.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the granola bars in it for a crispy exterior and soft interior. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and place the bars in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. The vanilla extract will become more pronounced, enhancing the overall flavor of the bars.
For a stovetop method, place the granola bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bars are warmed through. This method will result in a slightly toasted exterior and a soft, chewy center, reminiscent of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies.
Interesting Fact About Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
The recipe contains oatmeal raisin cookie granola bars that are a delicious and healthy snack option.
Is Making Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this soft oatmeal raisin cookie granola bars recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as rolled oats, whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and raisins, are relatively affordable and commonly found in households. The recipe yields a substantial amount of granola bars, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly and nutritious option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
This oatmeal raisin cookie granola bar recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and nuts, which provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Raisins offer a natural sweetness and contain antioxidants and minerals. However, the recipe also includes less healthy ingredients such as coconut oil, coconut sugar, and honey, which are high in saturated fats and added sugars. While these ingredients can be enjoyed in moderation, consuming too much of them can lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of coconut oil and replace it with a healthier alternative like mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce
- Swap the coconut sugar for a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Use a smaller quantity of honey or replace it with date paste for a more nutrient-dense option
- Increase the amount of nuts and seeds to boost the protein and healthy fat content
- Add dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for variety and additional nutrients
- Experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor without increasing calorie content
Editor's Opinion on Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
This soft oatmeal raisin cookie granola bars recipe is a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients and classic flavors. The use of whole wheat flour and coconut sugar adds a nutritious twist, while the blend of raisins and nuts provides a satisfying texture. The method of chilling the bars after baking ensures a perfect, chewy consistency. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and convenient snack or breakfast option, perfect for those seeking a balance of indulgence and nutrition.
Enhance Your Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients, ensuring a delectable and nutritious treat. The old fashioned rolled oats and whole wheat flour provide a hearty base, while the coconut oil and nut butter offer a rich, satisfying flavor. The sweetness of honey and coconut sugar complements the natural sweetness of raisins, creating a harmonious balance. With the addition of nuts for a delightful crunch, this recipe promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will surely delight your taste buds.
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