Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, then this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is just what you need! These cookie bars are wonderfully chewy, sweet, and topped with a creamy icing that makes them simply irresistible. They’re not just great for dessert; they’re fantastic as an after-school snack or even a special addition to family gatherings.

What makes this recipe so special is how easily it comes together. With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Plus, the aroma of warm cookies wafting through your home will bring back cherished memories and create new ones with loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly with just one bowl and a spoon—no fancy equipment needed!
• Family-approved: Everyone loves these cookie bars! They’re soft, chewy, and have that classic oatmeal flavor we all adore.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a bake sale or a potluck, these bars are easy to cut into squares and share with friends.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can whip these up in advance and store them for later enjoyment. Just ice them when you’re ready to serve!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit to make them your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for our delicious Iced Oatmeal 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

One of the best things about this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Chocolate lover’s dream: Swirl in some mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Fruity twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
• Spice it up: Experiment by adding different spices like ginger or allspice for a new flavor profile.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookie bars a lovely texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mixing well ensures that everything is combined smoothly. This adds richness and flavor that everyone will love!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars.

Step 4: Mix in the Oats

Now it’s time to fold in those old-fashioned rolled oats! This gives our cookie bars their signature chewiness. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown but be careful not to overbake—nobody likes dry cookie bars!

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While those delicious bars cool down, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust with more milk if needed until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Ice & Enjoy!

Once your cookie bars have cooled completely, spread on that luscious icing generously! Cut them into squares and enjoy every bite of this delightful treat with family and friends.

And there you go! Your very own Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is ready to be savored!

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Making these delightful iced oatmeal cookie bars is a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some tips to ensure your baking adventure is a success.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing, leading to a better texture in your cookie bars.

• Don’t skip the oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give these bars their signature chewy texture. Quick or instant oats won’t provide the same delightful bite.

• Sift your powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before using it in the icing prevents clumps and results in a smoother glaze that looks beautiful on top of your cookie bars.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing the cookie bars to cool fully before icing not only makes spreading easier but also prevents the icing from melting into the bars.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the ground cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste. Adding a little more can enhance the warm flavors of these delicious treats.

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

These iced oatmeal cookie bars are not just tasty; they also make for a lovely presentation at any gathering! Here are some ideas for serving them up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the icing gives an inviting aroma and look.
• Fresh fruits: Slices of fresh banana or berries on the side add color and freshness, making for an appealing plate.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookie bars, providing a juicy contrast.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a delicious balance that pairs wonderfully with these cookies.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea is perfect for dipping or enjoying alongside these sweet treats, enhancing their flavors.
• Ice cream: Vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce makes for an indulgent pairing that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your iced oatmeal cookie bar experience will be as enjoyable as it is delicious. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these sweet treats throughout the week. With easy storage options, you can make a batch ahead of time and savor them whenever you’re in the mood for a delightful snack.

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; they can last up to a week in the fridge.

Freezing

• Slice the cookie bars and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookie bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookie bar on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about this recipe!

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe?

It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, as quick oats will alter the texture and may not provide the same chewy consistency.

How can I make my Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts. A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the icing adds a delicious contrast!

What should I serve with my iced oatmeal cookie bars?

These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert!

How long do these iced oatmeal cookie bars last?

When stored properly at room temperature, they last up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they can stay fresh for about a week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe! It’s more than just a treat; it’s a chance to create delicious memories with friends and family. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these bars are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!