Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the comforting flavors of traditional oatmeal cookies with a modern twist. As a fan of both cookies and bars, I find these sweet squares to be the ideal solution for satisfying my sweet tooth without the fuss of rolling out dough. Originating from classic American baking, oatmeal cookies have long been cherished for their chewy texture and wholesome ingredients, making them a favorite in many households. The addition of a creamy icing elevates these bars, creating a delicious contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

People love iced oatmeal cookie bars not just for their irresistible taste, but also for their convenience. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing at gatherings, and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The combination of oats, spices, and a sweet glaze makes these bars a nostalgic favorite that evokes warm memories of family baking days. Join me as we dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Preparing the Batter

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor to your cookie bars.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
6. Fold in the rolled oats and, if you’re using them, the raisins or chocolate chips. I love the added texture and sweetness that these ingredients bring to the bars!

Cooking Process

1. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step is crucial for preventing the bars from sticking to the pan.
2. Spread the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. I like to use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
4. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Icing

1. While the cookie bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. I like to start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if needed to reach the desired consistency.
2. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it to be pourable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time.

Assembling the Cookie Bars

1. Once the cookie bars are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control. I love to create a zigzag pattern for a fun look!
2. Allow the icing to set for about 15-20 minutes. This will help it firm up a bit, making it easier to cut the bars.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 24 bars, but you can make them larger or smaller as you like.
4. Serve the iced oatmeal cookie bars on a platter or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Variations

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Conclusion:

In summary, these Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and texture. The chewy oats combined with the creamy icing create a delicious harmony that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a potluck, or simply enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to impress. For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of nuts to the mix before baking. You can also experiment with different flavors of icing, such as maple or vanilla, to customize them to your liking. The versatility of these Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars means you can make them your own! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the joy of these Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars together! Happy baking!

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