Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is a delightful treat that brings together the comforting flavors of oatmeal and sweet icing. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations, these cookie bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With their soft texture and rich taste, they stand out as a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can whip these up without stress.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives these bars a warm, inviting flavor.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, potlucks, or just as an everyday snack; they’re sure to please.
- Customize Your Icing: You can adjust the sweetness and flavor of the icing to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars store well, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert option.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process easier. Having the right equipment at hand can greatly enhance your baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A good set allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking and perfect bar shape.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, saving time and effort.
Ingredients
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)
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats into your cookie dough until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars
Spread the dough evenly into a greased baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool before icing.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
In a bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar with milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired.
Step 7: Ice Your Cookie Bars
Once cooled, spread the icing over the top of your cookie bars evenly. Allow it to set before cutting them into squares for serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe
Serving your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy these treats.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a tart contrast.
- Banana Slices: Add banana slices on top of the bars for a creamy texture.
A La Mode
- Ice Cream: Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on each bar for extra creaminess.
Coffee Pairing
- Espresso: Enjoy these bars alongside a shot of espresso to balance the sweetness.
- Flavored Coffee: Pair with flavored coffees like hazelnut or vanilla for an aromatic experience.
How to Perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Butter Softening: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for proper mixing and texture.
- Bold Measuring Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement to avoid dense bars.
- Bold Oats Choice: Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats; quick oats can alter the texture you desire.
- Bold Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dry bars.
- Bold Cooling Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before icing for a smoother finish.
- Bold Icing Consistency: Adjust milk in the icing for desired thickness; thicker icing holds its shape better.
Best Side Dishes for Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars enhances your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a delightful contrast in textures.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses complements the sweetness of the bars well.
- Chia Seed Pudding: The creamy texture and nutty flavor provide a lovely contrast to cookie bars.
- Nut Mix: A handful of spiced nuts adds crunch and flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet bars.
- Tea Selection: Offer herbal or chai teas as a warm beverage option that complements the flavors in the cookie bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of oats: Instant or quick-cooking oats do not provide the same texture. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure correct ingredient proportions.
- Skipping the cooling time: Letting the bars cool before icing allows the texture to set. Skipping this step can result in a messy presentation.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Combine ingredients just until they are blended for a soft texture.
- Neglecting to sift powdered sugar: Sifting removes lumps and ensures smooth icing. Always sift your powdered sugar before mixing it with milk.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe
- Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds on high.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for structure.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can use coconut oil or vegetable shortening as a dairy-free alternative.
How do I adjust the sweetness level?
Feel free to reduce the amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar by up to one-fourth without affecting texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Consider adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
How long do these bars last once iced?
Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days when stored properly.
Why did my icing turn out runny?
If your icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different mix-ins or icings based on your preferences. Whether you serve them at gatherings or enjoy them as an everyday treat, these bars are sure to please everyone’s palate!
Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe
Indulge in the delightful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe, a perfect blend of comforting oatmeal flavors and sweet icing that will satisfy any sweet tooth. These cookie bars are not only easy to make but also provide a satisfying treat for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. With their soft texture, rich taste, and customizable icing, they are sure to become a favorite dessert. Easy enough for novice bakers yet deliciously impressive, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Allow cooling before icing.
- For the icing, combine sifted powdered sugar with milk or cream until desired consistency is reached; add vanilla extract.
- Once cooled, spread the icing over the bars evenly and let it set before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg