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Transform the classic cookie flavor into nutritious breakfast bars with these Oatmeal Raisin treats. They pack that familiar cookie taste using all-natural ingredients, keeping you full and satisfied from morning till afternoon.
I tried making these many times and found the chewy goodness comes from getting the honey and coconut sugar just right. Too much honey and they'll stick to your fingers, but the perfect amount gives you that cookie-like chew we all want.
Key Ingredients
- Old-fashioned oats: Gives that filling base and sturdiness
- Honey: Adds sweetness and holds everything together
- Coconut oil: Keeps things moist without any dairy
- Natural peanut butter: Packs in protein and helps everything stick
- Whole wheat flour: Makes them sturdy (swap for almond flour if you don't eat gluten)
- Plump raisins: Adds sweet bits and chewy goodness
- Pecans: Brings the crunch and healthy fats
Step-by-Step Guide
- Getting Started
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), Put parchment in an 8x8 inch pan, Melt the coconut oil just until it's liquid, Warm up the honey a bit so it mixes better, Stir oil, honey, and peanut butter together till smooth, Mix in coconut sugar and cinnamon until you can't see any lumps
- Creating the Mix
- Slowly add whole wheat flour while stirring, Mix in oats bit by bit in three parts, Make sure everything gets coated with the wet stuff, Your mix should be thick but still easy to stir
- Tossing in Extras
- Gently mix in the juicy raisins, Throw in chopped pecans but save some for the top, Stir until everything's mixed in nicely, Don't go crazy mixing or you'll mess up the texture
- Getting Ready to Bake
- Dump the mix into your lined pan, Push it down firmly with a flat spatula, Don't forget to pack those corners, Sprinkle the pecans you saved on top, Press them in gently
- Oven Time
- Put the pan in your hot oven, Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges look golden, The middle should still feel a little soft, Take them out when you see the edges turning brown
- Finishing Up
- Let sit in the pan for 15 minutes, Lift everything out using the parchment, Let them cool all the way on a wire rack, Cut into 12-16 pieces with a sharp knife, Wipe the knife between cuts for neat bars
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What's great about these bars is how you can use them for anything - grab one for breakfast when you're in a hurry, pack them in lunch boxes, or munch on one when that afternoon hunger hits. They show that healthy snacks can actually taste like treats.
Keeping Them Fresh
They'll stay good on your counter for a week, or stick them in the freezer for up to three months. Put some parchment between layers so they don't get stuck together.
Smart Cooking Tricks
Let your ingredients warm up to room temp before mixing, Brown your nuts in a pan first for extra flavor, Make sure they're totally cool for clean-cut edges
Looking back, these bars really nail the balance between feeling like you're eating an oatmeal raisin cookie while actually getting something that's good for you. Whether you're crazy about oatmeal raisin cookies or just need something quick and healthy, you'll love munching on these.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the honey?
- Sure, you can use maple syrup instead, but expect them to be a bit softer than usual.
- → Why is chilling important?
- Letting the bars chill helps them firm up properly. Skip it, and they might fall apart.
- → Are quick oats alright to use?
- Stick to old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Quick ones might turn them overly dense.
- → What nuts go well in this?
- Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans work best, but you can leave them out if desired.
- → How do I stop them from breaking apart?
- Firmly press the mixture into the pan and be patient about chilling before slicing.