There’s something magical about the combination of chewy oatmeal and creamy icing that just screams comfort. Picture this: you take a bite of the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars, and the delightful blend of cinnamon and vanilla dances on your taste buds like a happy little jig. The texture? Oh, it’s like a cozy hug for your mouth—soft yet slightly chewy, with just enough crunch to keep things interesting. Grab a glass of cold milk or your favorite fruit juice, and you’re in for a treat!
These bars hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of rainy days when my mom would whip up a batch, filling our kitchen with sweet aromas. They’re perfect for everything from casual snacking to dessert at family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are easy to whip up, making them perfect for novice bakers.
- The flavor profile combines warm spices with sweet icing that everyone loves.
- Visually, they are stunning with their glossy glaze over golden oat bars.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion—snack time, dessert, or even breakfast if you’re feeling adventurous!
Ingredients for Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Choose thick oats for the best texture; they’ll give your bars that perfect chewiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here; it provides structure without being too heavy.
- Baking Powder: This helps your bars rise nicely; just remember not to confuse it with baking soda!
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth; feel free to add more if you’re a spice lover!
- Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for moisture and that lovely caramel flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This balances the sweetness nicely; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter makes mixing easier; it adds richness to your bars.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will bind everything together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Go for pure vanilla extract if possible—it enhances every flavor in this recipe.
For the Icing:
- Powdered Sugar: This is essential for creating that sweet glaze we all adore.
- Milk or Fruit Juice: Use milk for classic icing or fruit juice for a fun twist; both options work wonderfully here.
- Cinnamon (for topping): Just a sprinkle on top elevates the presentation and adds extra flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an ungreased baking dish (about 9×13 inches) because we’re going to fill it with deliciousness!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Give it a good whisk so everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs
In another bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time along with that heavenly vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until everything comes together into an irresistible dough—don’t worry if it seems thick; that’s how we want it!
Step 5: Bake
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top!
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While those bars cool down (try not to eat them straight out of the oven), mix powdered sugar with milk or fruit juice until you achieve a smooth glaze consistency.
Once cooled completely, drizzle that icing generously over the top of your cookie bars and sprinkle with cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy!
Now slice them up into squares—transfer them onto plates or simply devour straight from the pan (no judgment here!). Enjoy every single bite of those Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars—they’re as comforting as a Sunday morning spent in pajamas!
You Must Know
- This delightful iced oatmeal cookie bars recipe is a game-changer for dessert lovers.
- With a blend of chewy oats and sweet icing, these bars are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
- They are easy to whip up and sure to impress!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven while you mix the dry ingredients. Combine oats, flour, and baking powder first, then cream together the butter and sugars. This sequence ensures everything blends smoothly for perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in raisins or chocolate chips for a little twist on flavor. Want an extra crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that warm, cozy taste everyone loves.
Storing & Reheating
Store your iced oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds—just enough to soften them without melting the icing.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use old-fashioned oats for that ideal chewy texture; quick oats won’t give you the same results.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with sugars.
- Allow bars to cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
Sometimes I can still hear my niece squealing with joy as she bit into these iced oatmeal cookie bars during our family picnic last summer. Her smile was worth every ounce of effort I put into making them!
FAQs:
What are Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars?
Iced oatmeal cookie bars are a delicious and chewy dessert made with oats, flour, and sweet spices. They have a rich flavor and a soft texture, topped with a sweet icing to elevate their taste. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or dessert and can be enjoyed by everyone. You can customize the recipe by adding nuts or dried fruits for added flavor.
How do I store Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars?
To keep your iced oatmeal cookie bars fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Can I make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars without eggs?
Yes, you can make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars without eggs. To replace eggs in this recipe, use alternatives like unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. Each egg substitute typically equals 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/2 banana. This will maintain the moisture and binding properties needed for the bars while keeping them deliciously soft.
What variations can I try with Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars?
There are many fun variations you can try with iced oatmeal cookie bars. Consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for different textures and flavors. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the taste. Another option is to drizzle melted chocolate over the icing for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Conclusion for Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars:
Iced oatmeal cookie bars offer a delightful combination of chewy texture and sweet icing that everyone loves. With simple ingredients like oats and flour, they are easy to prepare at home. Storing them properly ensures they remain fresh, while various substitutions allow you to cater to dietary preferences. Enjoy customizing these bars with your favorite add-ins for a personalized treat that is sure to impress!
Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a delightful blend of chewy oats and creamy icing that create a comforting treat for any occasion. With warm hints of cinnamon and vanilla, each bite evokes cozy memories while satisfying your sweet tooth. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying during quiet moments at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk or fruit juice
- Additional cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Cream the softened butter and sugars in another bowl until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully blended.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar with milk or fruit juice until smooth. Once bars are cool, drizzle icing over them and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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