Blackberry Bar Cookies
Sweet and tart blackberry bar cookies with a buttery oat crust, perfect for afternoon teas or casual gatherings, offering a delightful berry flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add oats and 1/4 cup water, then mix until crumbly.
- Firmly pat half of the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Spread blackberry jam over the crust.
- Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, try substituting the blackberry jam with raspberry or strawberry jam. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you want a crunchier texture, add a handful of chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the oat mixture. For a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, which complements the sweetness beautifully and is common in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These blackberry bar cookies make a delightful treat on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve alongside Mildred's Fudge for a sweet platter at gatherings. They also make a great addition to a picnic spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover blackberry bar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blackberry Bar Cookies contains roughly 1224 calories, with 10g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of jam?
While you can use frozen blackberries, they will need to be cooked down to create a jam-like consistency. Simply heat them in a saucepan with a bit of sugar until they break down. This will give you a fresh flavor and a lovely texture in your cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done baking when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the middle. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking soda and any additional ingredients you use are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).