Pin it
These hearty Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars blend the tasty elements of your favorite cookie into a nourishing breakfast or snack option. They're made with simple, good-for-you ingredients that provide that familiar oatmeal raisin cookie flavor while keeping your energy levels up all day long.
I went through several test batches and found that getting that perfect chewy bite depends on balancing honey with coconut sugar just right. Too much honey made them too sticky, but the correct amount gives you that cookie-like chew we all want.
Key Ingredients
- Old-fashioned oats: Gives that filling texture and base
- Honey: Adds sweetness and holds everything together
- Coconut oil: Keeps things moist without using dairy
- Natural peanut butter: Packs in protein and helps bind ingredients
- Whole wheat flour: Helps bars keep their shape (try almond flour if you can't do gluten)
- Plump raisins: Adds natural sweetness and chewy bits
- Pecans: Brings in some crunch and good fats
Step-by-Step Guide
- Making Your Foundation
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), Put parchment in an 8x8 inch pan, Melt the coconut oil just until it's liquid, Warm up your honey a bit so it mixes better, Stir oil, honey, and peanut butter until they're well combined, Mix in coconut sugar and cinnamon until you can't see them anymore
- Creating the Framework
- Slowly add whole wheat flour while constantly stirring, Add old-fashioned oats bit by bit in three parts, Make sure everything gets coated with the wet stuff, Your mix should be thick but still easy to stir
- Putting in the Goodies
- Carefully fold in your plump raisins, Toss in chopped pecans, saving some for the top, Stir until everything's spread out evenly, Don't mix too much or you'll mess up the texture
- Getting the Pan Ready
- Dump mixture into your lined pan, Push down firmly with a flat spatula, Make sure you get into the corners too, Sprinkle those leftover pecans on top, Gently press the pecans into the mixture
- Baking Time
- Stick it in your hot oven, Cook for 18-22 minutes until the edges turn golden, The middle should still feel a little soft, Take it out when you see the edges browning
- Letting It Rest and Cutting
- Let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes, Pull it out using the parchment paper, Let it cool all the way on a wire rack, Cut into 12-16 bars with a sharp knife, Wipe your knife between cuts for clean edges
Pin it
What's great about these bars is how flexible they are. You can grab one for breakfast when you're running late, pack them in lunch boxes, or munch on one when that afternoon energy slump hits. They show that healthy snacks can actually taste like treats.
Keeping Them Fresh
They'll stay good on your counter for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months. Just put some parchment between layers so they don't stick together.
Smart Cooking Tricks
Start with ingredients that aren't cold from the fridge, Brown your nuts in the oven first for better flavor, Make sure they're completely cool for clean-looking cuts
Last thoughts: These granola bars combine that cozy oatmeal raisin cookie feeling with all the good stuff your body needs in a snack. Whether you're crazy about oatmeal raisin cookies or just need something healthy you can grab quickly, these bars will make your taste buds and your body happy.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out honey?
- Honey works great to hold the bars together, but maple syrup is a good backup. Just keep in mind they may come out softer.
- → Why is chilling important?
- Chilling helps the bars firm up and keep their shape. Skipping this step could make them fall apart.
- → Are quick oats okay to use?
- Stick to old-fashioned oats for the best texture since quick oats can make the bars drier and too compact.
- → Which nuts are best?
- Go for chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Don’t like nuts? Leave them out entirely, it’s fine!
- → How do I keep them from falling apart?
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan, and don’t skip the chilling step before cutting.