Description
Homemade soft oatmeal raisin cookie granola bars combine classic comfort with wholesome ingredients. Delicious snacks offer nostalgic flavors and nutritious goodness you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (85 grams / 3 ounces) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (128 grams / 4.5 ounces) raisins
- 3/4 cup (100 grams / 3.5 ounces) chopped nuts (optional)
Binder and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (56 grams / 2 ounces) coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup (63 grams / 2.2 ounces) nut butter (peanut butter recommended)
- 1/4 cup (85 grams / 3 ounces) honey
- 1/4 cup (50 grams / 1.8 ounces) coconut sugar or packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Spice and Flour Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (43 grams / 1.5 ounces) whole wheat flour or almond meal
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the sides for easy bar removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly, using a rubber spatula to blend until the mixture is completely uniform and well-integrated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using firm, consistent pressure to create an even, compact layer that holds together tightly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes, watching for a set top and golden-brown edges that indicate proper doneness.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour.
- After initial cooling, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional hour to help the bars firm up and set completely.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, then slice into individual bars using a sharp knife, creating clean, even cuts.
Notes
- Pressing firmly ensures dense, chewy bars that hold together perfectly without crumbling.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture and hearty consistency, avoiding quick oats which can make bars too mushy.
- Consider toasting oats before mixing to enhance nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the granola bars.
- Swap raisins with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for delightful flavor variations that suit different taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg