Description
These Oatmeal Crunchies are a delightful, chewy snack bar packed with wholesome rolled oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet raisins or dried cranberries. Perfectly textured bars baked to golden perfection, offering a nutritious treat ideal for breakfast on the go or a wholesome afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to add additional texture and flavor.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom to form a compact layer.
- Bake: Place the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Cool and cut: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing into bars to ensure they hold together well.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots for different fruits.
- Ensure the bars cool completely to avoid crumbling when cutting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
