Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines wholesome goodness with delightful flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is a family favorite in my home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for those cozy family gatherings where everyone craves a little something sweet. Trust me, these bars will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart feel warm!

The beauty of these cookie bars is not just how delicious they are but also how easy they are to make. You’ll find that it’s all about simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, so you can whip it up even on the busiest days.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Everyone from kids to grandparents will love the comforting taste of oatmeal cookies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for snacks or desserts!
• Customizable Topping: The icing adds a delightful sweetness, but feel free to adjust it to your liking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. They work together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these delightful cookie bars.

For the Cookie Base

• 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, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Add Mix-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips or nuts for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Switch Up the Spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Try Different Icings: Use lemon glaze instead of vanilla icing for a zesty kick.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

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 ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

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 adds air into the mixture, making your cookie bars soft and tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, making every bite irresistible!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the 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.

Step 5: Fold in Oats

Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This gives your cookie bars that hearty texture we love!

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean—this means they’re ready!

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

While your cookie bars cool down, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if desired. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary; you want it pourable but thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 8: Ice Your Bars

Once cooled completely, drizzle or spread the icing over your cookie bars. Let it set before cutting into squares—this will help keep everything nice and neat.

Enjoy sharing this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe with friends and family! They will surely become a treasured treat in your home just like they are in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Baking is all about enjoying the process, so here are some helpful tips to make your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture for your cookie bars.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking soda, and spices helps break up any clumps and creates a more even mixture, enhancing the overall texture of your bars.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of tender ones.

• Allow cooling before icing: Let your cookie bars completely cool in the pan before adding the icing. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add in extras like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust baking time if needed!

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

These delightful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat at home. Serve them up with a few thoughtful touches to make them stand out!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for a crunchy contrast.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon over the icing lends an extra layer of warmth and spice that complements the oatmeal beautifully.
• Fresh fruit slices: Adding slices of fresh strawberries or bananas on the side not only looks appealing but also enhances the flavor profile with natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars. The vibrant colors will make your dessert table pop!
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries provides a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs nicely with the chewy texture of oatmeal bars.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing that enhances the enjoyment of these tasty treats.
• Ice Cream: Serve your cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable treat that friends and family will adore! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve these delicious bars for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your iced oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To prevent the bars from becoming too soft, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, let the bars thaw at room temperature before serving.
• If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid over-heating as it may dry them out; just enough to take the chill off is perfect!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you with your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe.

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

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute for best results.

How can I make these Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars healthier?

You can reduce sugar by using less granulated sugar or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Also consider adding nuts or dried fruits for added nutrition.

How long do these Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars last?

These cookie bars can last up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.

Can I add chocolate chips to the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in half a cup of chocolate chips after combining the dry ingredients for an extra sweet twist.

What can I use instead of milk in the icing?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk work wonderfully instead of regular milk or cream in the icing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this delightful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe! With its chewy texture and sweet icing, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon treat or sharing with friends, these cookie bars are truly special. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!