Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back memories of cozy afternoons, look no further! This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is a favorite in my household. With its chewy texture and sweet icing, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re surprising your kids after school or preparing for a potluck, these bars are sure to bring smiles all around!

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just good old-fashioned staples that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them over several days (if they last that long!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can mix everything up in one bowl without any fuss. It’s the perfect recipe for beginners!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the chewy oats and sweet icing. They’re bound to be a hit with everyone!
• Make-Ahead Delight: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a great option for busy weeks.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you will need:

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 parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: A handful of mini chocolate chips will satisfy any chocolate lover.
• Fruit Flavors: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a nice fruity touch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or allspice for a unique flavor 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 Baking Pan

Grease a rectangular baking dish (about 9×13 inches) or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your bars tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds flavor and moisture to our cookie bars.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Oats

Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats using a spatula. This gives our bars their signature chewy texture!

Step 7: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the middle. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft but not gooey!

Step 8: Cool and Ice

Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan before icing. For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious icing over cooled bars for that perfect finishing touch!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful iced oatmeal cookie bars! They’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home just as they are in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Baking should be a joyful experience, and with these pro tips, you can ensure your iced oatmeal cookie bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your bars.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting flour, baking soda, and spices not only helps eliminate lumps but also incorporates air, leading to a lighter, fluffier cookie bar.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookie bars. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, which gives you a denser texture instead of the soft, chewy bars we desire.

• Let them cool completely before icing: Icing warm bars can lead to a melted mess! Allowing them to cool ensures the icing sits beautifully on top without sliding off.

• Experiment with spices: While our recipe includes cinnamon and nutmeg, feel free to add your favorite spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist that personalizes your bars.

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

These iced oatmeal cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Whether for a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, here are some ideas to present this delightful treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Coconut flakes: Toasted unsweetened coconut flakes can give your bars an extra layer of taste and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to the sweetness of the cookie bars.
• Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries complements the chewy texture while offering a healthy option.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, enhancing their flavors and providing a comforting experience.
• Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert option, serve these cookie bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the contrast between warm bars and cold ice cream is simply divine!

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to make your iced oatmeal cookie bar recipe not just a snack but a delightful centerpiece for any occasion! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and store them, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade treats throughout the week.

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 the bars for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars into squares before freezing for easy portioning.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat gently in the microwave.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookie bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of cookie squares on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual bars for about 15-20 seconds, just be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

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

Quick oats will change the texture of the bars. For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats as they provide a chewier texture and hold up better during baking.

How do I make the icing for my Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

To make the icing, mix sifted powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed!

Can I substitute butter with another fat in this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

Yes! You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as alternatives if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing.

How long do these cookie bars last after baking?

These cookie bars last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week if stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars! They are not only simple but also bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any gathering or quiet afternoon treat. Enjoy every bite and share with those you love; there’s something special about homemade treats that just makes everything better. Happy baking!