Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both comforting and easy to make, let me introduce you to my cherished Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe. These bars combine the heartiness of oats with a luscious icing that’ll have your taste buds dancing! They are perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something sweet or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a bite (or two). Trust me, once you try these cookie bars, they’ll quickly become a staple in your home!

I love making these iced oatmeal cookie bars because they bring back warm memories of baking with loved ones. The aroma of cinnamon fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that just makes you feel good inside. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – whether you’re serving them at a birthday party or just want a sweet pick-me-up during the day, they fit perfectly into any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a soft and chewy cookie bar topped with creamy icing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these bars in advance and store them for later enjoyment.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and oats creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze! You probably have most of these wholesome items in your pantry already. Let’s dive into what you will need to whip up these delicious iced oatmeal cookie bars.

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 iced oatmeal cookie bar recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Incorporate Dried Fruit: Add raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips Delight: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a touch of decadence.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches works well) with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier later on.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookie bars nice and soft. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg if using, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Then fold in those hearty old-fashioned rolled oats until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake Your Bars

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted should come out clean from the center!

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

While your cookie bars are cooling, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more milk if it’s too thick.

Step 8: Ice and Enjoy!

Once cool, drizzle or spread that creamy icing over the top of your cookie bars. Cut them into squares and get ready for smiles all around!

Enjoy making this delightful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe! Your friends and family will thank you every time they take a bite!

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Baking is all about confidence and a few handy tricks can take your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars from good to absolutely irresistible!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and eggs at room temperature helps create a smoother batter that blends more easily, resulting in a tender cookie bar.

• Don’t skip the chilling time: After baking, let your cookie bars cool completely before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Sift the powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing it into your icing will eliminate lumps and give you a silky-smooth texture that spreads perfectly across your bars.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, adding nutmeg or even a dash of ginger can elevate the flavor profile of your cookie bars, making them even more delightful.

• Cut into squares for better serving: Use a sharp knife to cut your cooled bars into uniform squares or rectangles. This not only makes for easier serving but also gives them a professional look!

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Presenting your delicious Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars can be just as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas to serve these treats that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.

• Fresh fruit slices: Serve alongside a few slices of fresh strawberries or bananas to add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these warm cookie bars. The contrast of temperatures creates a delightful experience.

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea complements the flavors beautifully, making for an ideal afternoon snack pairing.

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness to your dessert spread. Opt for seasonal fruits like berries or citrus for added zing.

• Milkshakes: Whip up a simple vanilla milkshake to serve alongside these bars, turning dessert time into an indulgent treat!

Now that you know how to make, serve, and elevate your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with this delightful recipe! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make these delightful bars ahead of time, making them a wonderful treat for busy days or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the iced oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you notice any moisture on the surface, place a paper towel in the container to absorb it.

Freezing

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Cut into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• If you prefer them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookie bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave on low power for about 20-30 seconds until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you in your baking adventure!

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats in the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for this recipe, as they provide the ideal texture. Quick oats may result in a softer bar that doesn’t hold together as well.

How long do I need to chill the icing for my Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

You don’t need to chill the icing! Simply mix it until smooth and drizzle it over your cooled cookie bars for that perfect touch of sweetness.

Can I substitute almond milk or oat milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use almond milk or oat milk as alternatives to regular milk or cream. Just ensure you pick unsweetened varieties if you’re watching sugar intake!

What can I add to enhance the flavor of my Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

Consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts for extra texture and flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the icing also adds a lovely contrast!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe becomes a cherished treat in your home! Its cozy flavors and delightful icing make it special enough for any occasion. Enjoy making these bars with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to share your delicious results! Happy baking!