Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars are the perfect combination of health and taste—making them a popular choice for snackers everywhere! They capture the flavors of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie while packing in all the wholesome goodness of oats, nuts, and nut butter. You’ll love how they are soft yet sturdy enough to be a convenient grab-and-go option. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a tasty afternoon treat, these granola bars are both satisfying and nutritious.
What Goes Into These Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
- 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/3 cup (43g) whole wheat flour (or almond meal)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (56g) coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup (63g) nut butter (like peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar (or packed light/dark brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (128g) raisins
- Optional: 3/4 cup (100g) chopped nuts
How to Make Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to easily remove the bars later. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. A rubber spatula or wooden spoon will work great here!
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it down very firmly into an even layer. You really want it packed in tight!
- Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the top looks set and is golden brown around the edges.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for one more hour. This makes the bars firm and easy to slice.
- Use the overhang of the parchment to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares or rectangles.
- Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Why Everyone Is Loving These Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
These Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars are trending right now because they hit that sweet spot of being both delicious and nutritious! With an increasing number of people leaning towards healthier snacking options, homemade granola bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re not only fulfilling but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Plus, they’re simple to make, using everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Best Ways to Serve It
You can enjoy these Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars any time of day! They make a great breakfast on the go, a healthy mid-afternoon snack, or even a dessert when you’re craving something sweet. They pair beautifully with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit for breakfast. For a little extra crunch and flavor, consider topping them with a drizzle of honey or some nut butter before serving!
Expert Tips for Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
- Storage: Keep your granola bars tightly covered to maintain freshness. They will last for up to a week at room temperature or about two weeks in the fridge.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix in different dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots. You can also swap the nuts with seeds if you’re looking for a nut-free option!
- Add-Ins: Want more crunch? Toss in some chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chia seeds for added texture and flavor.
Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Yes, you can use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
By using almond meal and making sure to choose gluten-free oats, you can create a delicious gluten-free version!
Can I freeze these granola bars?
Absolutely! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They should keep well for up to three months.
Give these Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars a try! They’re sure to become a new favorite in your snack rotation. Enjoy them at home and share the joy with friends and family!
Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars combine the flavors of classic oatmeal raisin cookies with nutritious ingredients, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.)
- 1/3 cup whole wheat flour (or almond meal) (Almond meal can be used for a gluten-free option.)
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup nut butter (like peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or packed light/dark brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) (Can be replaced with seeds for a nut-free option.)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down very firmly into an even layer.
Baking
- Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the top looks set and golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for one more hour.
- Use the overhang of the parchment to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares or rectangles.
Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months.
