Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, then this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is just what you need! These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They bring together the comforting flavors of oatmeal and warm spices, topped with a delightful icing that takes them to another level. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookie bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. You can whip up a batch in no time, and they make great snacks for kids or adults alike. Plus, they store beautifully, so you can enjoy them throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, you’ll have these cookie bars ready before you know it.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These bars are perfect for sharing with family or friends.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for when those sweet cravings hit.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The warm spices combined with the sweetness of the icing create an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful bars, gather some simple, wholesome ingredients from your kitchen. You likely already have most of them on hand!

For the Cookie Bars

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g), softened to room temperature
• Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (200g), packed
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
• Large Eggs: 2
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (180g)
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 3 cups (270g) (not instant or quick-cooking)

For the Icing

• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups (240g), sifted
• Milk or Cream: 3-4 tablespoons (whole milk or heavy cream recommended for richness)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Pinch of Salt: optional, to balance sweetness

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Mix in Dried Fruits: Raisins or cranberries can add a nice chewiness and extra flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing for a decadent twist.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key because the air incorporated into the mixture will help create a nice texture in your cookie bars.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to our cookie bars.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bars tender!

Step 4: Fold in Oats

Now it’s time to fold in the rolled oats gently. This adds that classic oatmeal texture we love! Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. A toothpick should come out clean from the center when they are done. Let them cool before icing!

Step 6: Make the Icing

While your bars cool down, mix together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and an optional pinch of salt until smooth. This creamy icing adds that final touch of sweetness!

Step 7: Ice Your Bars

Once cooled completely, spread your icing generously over the top of your cookie bars. Let it set before slicing into squares.

And there you have it! Your very own Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re snacking solo or sharing with friends, these treats are bound to brighten up any day.

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Making the perfect iced oatmeal cookie bars can be a delightful journey! Here are some tips to ensure your baking experience is smooth and your bars turn out delicious.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a light and fluffy texture when creaming the butter and sugars together, leading to a perfectly soft cookie bar.

• Don’t skip the oats: Using old-fashioned rolled oats instead of instant or quick-cooking oats adds great texture and chewiness, giving your cookie bars that classic oatmeal flavor.

• Sift powdered sugar for frosting: Sifting eliminates lumps and ensures a smooth icing. This makes spreading easier and gives your cookie bars a beautiful finish.

• Experiment with spices: Adding ground nutmeg or even a pinch of cloves can elevate the flavor profile of your bars, making them even more aromatic and delicious!

• Cool completely before icing: Allowing the cookie bars to cool prevents the frosting from melting. This way, you’ll have a lovely layer of icing that stays intact.

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

These iced oatmeal cookie bars are not only scrumptious but also versatile in presentation! Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, here are some fun ideas to enhance your dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon over the icing adds an extra layer of warmth and spice, making every bite more inviting.
• Fresh berries: Placing some fresh strawberries or blueberries on the side can add a pop of color and freshness to your dessert table.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to your warm cookie bars creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the bars with its natural tartness, making for a well-rounded dessert plate.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Serving these cookie bars with a warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea enhances their comforting qualities, perfect for an afternoon treat.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruits makes a great accompaniment that complements the flavors in your iced oatmeal cookie bars while adding a healthy twist.

Enjoy serving up these delightful treats! Your guests will surely appreciate the effort you put into creating this wonderful dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make these delightful bars ahead of time, ensuring you have a sweet treat on hand whenever cravings strike. Here’s how to store them properly so they stay delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the iced oatmeal cookie bars to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easier portioning.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• If you prefer your bars warm, remove the desired number from the fridge or freezer.
• For refrigerated bars, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
• For frozen bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave on low power for about 15-30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for a few minutes).

How do I customize my Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture! Just keep the proportions of dry ingredients in mind when adding extras.

What’s the best way to store my iced oatmeal cookie bars?

Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! These delicious bars are not only easy to make but are also perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy creating this sweet treat, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite mix-ins. Happy baking!