Oatmeal Raisin Spice Bar Cookies
Oatmeal raisin spice bar cookies feature warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, chewy oats, and sweet raisins, perfect for a comforting snack or dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup soft margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Beat margarine and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs, milk, and vanilla; beat well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well.
- Stir in oats, raisins, and nuts (if using); mix thoroughly.
- Press dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into approximately 36 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider replacing half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts and add an extra 1/2 cup of oats for texture. To enhance the spice profile, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. If you like a chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal raisin spice bar cookies are perfect as a snack or a dessert. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful pairing. For a festive touch, consider sprinkling powdered sugar on top before serving. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled oatmeal raisin spice bar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. To enjoy them later, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Raisin Spice Bar Cookies contains roughly 158 calories, with 2g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats in this recipe, but the texture might be slightly different. Quick oats will result in a softer, less chewy cookie. If you prefer a heartier texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute the margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you opt for coconut oil, make sure it is in a softened state for easier mixing.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and create a delightful combination with the raisins. You can substitute half of the raisins with chocolate chips or add them in addition to the raisins for a richer cookie.
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).