Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
These chewy granola bars capture all the warm, comforting flavors of classic oatmeal raisin cookies in a convenient bar form. Made with wholesome rolled oats, sweet raisins, and bound together with honey and peanut butter, they deliver the perfect balance of natural sweetness and satisfying texture. The addition of vanilla and cinnamon creates that beloved cookie flavor, while the bars offer a more portable and less crumbly alternative. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go, afternoon snacks, or packed lunches, these bars satisfy cookie cravings while providing sustained energy from whole grains and protein.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Combine oats and raisins in a mixing bowl
- 3
Heat honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth
- 4
Stir vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt into the honey mixture
- 5
Pour honey mixture over oats and raisins and stir until well combined
- 6
Press mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan
- 7
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown
- 8
Cool completely before cutting into bars
Tips
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well when cut.
Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean edges.
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored covered
Serve at room temperature, cut into bars
Common Mistakes
Press mixture firmly into pan to avoid crumbly bars that fall apart
Cool completely before cutting to prevent breaking
Substitutions
Vegan Options
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without baking them?
While baking helps set the bars and creates golden edges, you could try chilling the pressed mixture in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours instead, though the texture will be different.
What if I don't have a 9x9 pan?
You can use an 8x8 pan for thicker bars or a 9x13 pan for thinner bars, adjusting bake time by a few minutes as needed.
How long do these bars keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.