Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings comfort and joy, then you’ve come to the right place! My Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is a cozy favorite in our home, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during a quiet evening with tea. These bars are not just tasty; they’re a delightful blend of chewy oats and a creamy icing that brings back cherished memories of family gatherings and warm afternoons.

These cookie bars are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for busy weeknights or festive occasions alike. Whether it’s a bake sale, birthday party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these oatmeal cookie bars will surely bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip these up in no time, even on a busy day!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the sweet and satisfying taste of these bars.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for an easy dessert whenever you need it.
• Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the recipe to include your favorite add-ins or spices!
• Deliciously Indulgent: The creamy icing on top makes every bite feel like a special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making them easy to find at your local grocery store. Let’s gather what you need for this delicious Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe!

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat!
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and richness.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with flavors like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Dried Fruits Delight: Toss in some raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the butter, giving your bars a nice texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. The eggs will help bind everything together while adding moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mixing slowly will prevent flour from flying everywhere!

Step 5: Stir in Oats

Now it’s time to fold in those old-fashioned rolled oats. They’re what make these bars chewy and satisfying. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter into a greased baking pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—this means they’re ready!

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

While your bars cool down, mix together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. This delicious icing will take your cookie bars over the top!

Step 8: Ice Your Bars

Once cooled completely, spread the icing evenly over your oatmeal cookie bars. Allow it to set before cutting into squares.

And there you have it! A delightful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Baking can be a wonderful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your iced oatmeal cookie bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them incorporate more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a better texture in your bars.

• Don’t Skip the Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are key for that chewy texture. Avoid instant or quick-cooking oats, as they won’t provide the same hearty bite.

• Sift Your Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before making the icing prevents lumps, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.

• Adjust Consistency of Icing: If your icing is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. A thinner icing spreads beautifully over the bars!

• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before icing is crucial. This prevents the icing from melting into the warm bars and ensures a lovely presentation.

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

These iced oatmeal cookie bars are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing and can be served in many delightful ways! Whether for a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon creates an inviting aroma and enhances the visual appeal of your dessert.
• Fresh Berries: Place a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a pop of color and freshness that compliments the sweetness of the bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookie bars, making for a classic dessert pairing.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright, light contrast to the rich flavors of the oatmeal cookie bars, balancing out your dessert table.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their comforting qualities while providing a cozy experience.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer some Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a delightful breakfast option that pairs well with leftover cookie bars.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your scrumptious iced oatmeal cookie bars! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only can you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, but they also store beautifully for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your delicious treats fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they’ll last up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled cookie bars into squares.
• Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for a sweet treat whenever you crave one!

Reheating

• If you like your bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I make this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s one that works well for baking.

How long will my iced oatmeal cookie bars last?

When stored properly, these bars will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for about a week.

What can I use instead of eggs in the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute! Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit until it thickens.

Can I add nuts to the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Is there a way to make these bars healthier?

Yes! You could reduce the sugar slightly or swap in some applesauce for part of the butter. This will provide moisture while cutting down on fat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe! It’s not just a treat; it’s a wonderful way to share love with family and friends. These bars are soft, sweet, and iced just right—perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures! Happy baking!