Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting treat, let me introduce you to my beloved Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe. These delightful bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy icing that takes them to the next level. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is one of those go-to favorites that never fails to bring smiles. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a cherished part of your baking repertoire!

What makes this recipe even more special is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in or treating friends at a potluck, these cookie bars are sure to impress. So grab your apron and get ready to bake something truly wonderful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for both new bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the sweet and hearty flavors of oatmeal cookies!
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake a batch in advance; they store well and taste even better the next day.
• Versatile Flavor: With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, every bite is filled with comforting flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack after school or dessert at a dinner party, these bars fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients for this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe—just simple, wholesome staples that you probably have on hand! Here’s what you’ll 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

The beauty of this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up with these fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat!
• Incorporate Dried Fruit: Try adding raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Use Different Spices: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin spice if you want a seasonal flair.
• Top with Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for some crunch.

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 that when your batter goes in, it bakes evenly and achieves that golden-brown color we all love.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because creaming these ingredients adds air into the mixture, making your cookie bars light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next up, add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined. The eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Fold in Rolled Oats

Gently fold in those old-fashioned rolled oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. They give the bars their chewy texture that everyone loves.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to dry bars!

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

While your cookie bars cool down, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if desired until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable.

Step 8: Ice Your Bars

Once cooled completely, pour the icing over your cookie bars evenly. Let it set before cutting into squares.

And there you have it! A delightful Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Creating the perfect iced oatmeal cookie bars is easy with a few helpful tips! These insights will ensure you achieve delicious, chewy bars every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your cookie bars.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: After mixing your dough, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes. This helps to solidify the butter, leading to a firmer bar that holds its shape during baking.

• Measure flour correctly: Scoop and level your flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup. This ensures you don’t add too much flour, which could lead to dense bars.

• Add mix-ins: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts to the batter before spreading it out in the pan. They complement the oats beautifully!

• Let them cool completely before icing: Allowing your cookie bars to cool down prevents the icing from melting into them. This way, you’ll have lovely icing that sits perfectly on top!

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe

Serving these delightful iced oatmeal cookie bars is all about presentation! With a few simple ideas, you can turn your treat into a standout dessert.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting adds warmth and enhances the overall aesthetic.
• Fresh fruit: Consider serving alongside fresh berries or slices of banana for a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance against the sweetness of the cookie bars.
• Vanilla yogurt: Creamy yogurt serves as a delightful dip that pairs well with the cookies and adds a creamy element to your plate.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea complements these bars wonderfully, creating a comforting afternoon snack.
• Milk alternative: Serve with almond milk or oat milk for those who prefer dairy-free options; they go hand in hand with these delicious treats!

Enjoy making and sharing these iced oatmeal cookie bars with family and friends—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve these tasty treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cookie bars into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to three months; just be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I make this iced oatmeal cookie bar recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add a pinch if needed.

How long will the iced oatmeal cookie bars last?

When stored properly, these iced oatmeal cookie bars will last about 5 days at room temperature or up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in this iced oatmeal cookie bar recipe?

For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats can change the texture and may result in a less chewy bar.

What can I substitute for butter in this iced oatmeal cookie bar recipe?

You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a non-dairy option that still delivers delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bar Recipe! The combination of spices along with the creamy icing creates a comforting treat that’s sure to win hearts. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to dinner, these bars are a delight. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends! Happy baking!