Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings comfort and nostalgia, then this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is just what you need! These bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a sweet icing that takes them to the next level. I love making these for family gatherings or even just on busy weeknights when I want something special to enjoy with a cup of tea. The best part? They come together quickly and are always a hit!

These cookie bars are perfect for snack time, lunch boxes, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll find this recipe easy and fun!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and these bars are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for those moments when you need a sweet treat.
• Flexible Flavor: The recipe allows for variations, so feel free to customize it according to your taste!
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of oats, spices, and icing creates a wonderful flavor that makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe are simple yet wholesome. You’ll love how they come together to create something truly special!

For the 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 adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand!

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
• Top with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing for a fun touch, especially for celebrations.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and helps create that delicious golden-brown exterior we all love.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. This step is important because creaming the butter with sugars incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bars that nice fluffy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; this adds richness and flavor that makes these bars irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. This technique prevents overmixing and keeps your bars tender.

Step 5: Fold in Oats

Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where all that wonderful texture comes from!

Step 6: Bake Your Bars

Spread the batter evenly in a greased baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them! A toothpick should come out clean from the center when they’re done.

Step 7: Prepare The Icing

While your bars cool down slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and optional pinch of salt until smooth. This icing will take your cookie bars from good to great!

Step 8: Ice Your Bars

Once cooled completely, drizzle the icing over your oatmeal cookie bars. Let it set before cutting them into squares. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Making your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars is a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll create the perfect batch every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter can cream properly with the sugars, leading to a light and fluffy texture in your bars.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps to solidify the fats, which can prevent spreading during baking and results in thicker bars.
• Sift your powdered sugar: Sifting before adding it to the icing prevents lumps and creates a smooth glaze that looks beautiful on top of your bars.
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is key, adding a pinch of nutmeg or even ginger can provide a unique flavor twist that elevates your dessert.
• Let them cool completely before icing: This prevents the icing from melting into the bars, ensuring you get that lovely finish.

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Serving your Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars is just as enjoyable as making them! Here are some fun ways to present this irresistible treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor profile.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate on top can give your bars a sophisticated touch and an extra layer of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of berries, melons, and citrus not only adds freshness but also balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm bars creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Hot cocoa or herbal tea: These beverages complement the warm spices in your bars while providing a comforting beverage option to enjoy together.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit can serve as a light side dish that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the cookie bars.

With these serving ideas, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your homemade Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or share with friends and family. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious cookie bars:

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 storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the iced oatmeal cookie bars into squares.
• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for reference.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen bars, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe.

Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of old-fashioned oats in this iced oatmeal cookie bar recipe?

No, it’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick-cooking oats will change the texture and may not yield the same chewy result.

How long do these iced oatmeal cookie bars last?

If stored properly, they can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!

What makes this iced oatmeal cookie bar recipe special?

This recipe combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with hearty oats, creating a comforting dessert that’s not only delicious but also easy to make!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my iced oatmeal cookie bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips according to your taste. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this wonderful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe! It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a cozy treat with your afternoon coffee. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just because, these cookie bars are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!