Chewy Raisin Bars. These old fashioned cookie squares are a little dense and chewy like blondies, with a delicious, caramel flavour which comes from using only brown sugar in the batter.
Old Fashioned Chewy Raisin Bars.
I often say that simple things are the best. That is particularly true of this recipe.
With only 7 common ingredients, you may already have everything you need in your cupboards to whip up a batch. This is one of those recipes that is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
To get this much delicious buttery caramel flavour in a chewy, blondie-like cookie bar is quite surprising. The keys to this delicious magic is using all brown sugar in the batter and very good quality, real vanilla extract.
Old Fashioned Chewy Raisin Bars.
So quick to make!
Another big advantage to these Chewy Raisin Bars is just how quick and easy they are to make. Honestly, it only took about 15 minutes to get these in the oven.
That makes this recipe particularly good for those time crunch occasions that inevitably occur when least expected. These can easily be made and cooled in about 2 hours, making them great for inviting friends for afternoon coffee.
Old Fashioned Chewy Raisin Bars.
Chewy Raisin Bars, keep them simple.
This is also one of those cookie bar recipes that stand completely on its own without need for other embellishment. I was tempted at first to add a frosting to the top, but that, I think would take away from the flavour rather than adding to it.
I’ve used sultana raisins in this recipe but golden raisins are a great choice too
With the Holidays quickly approaching, this is a great recipe for the freezer too. These will keep for a couple of months in the freezer, so that you can take as many as you need at a time when serving.
Again with the Holiday’s in mind, I also begin to think about cookie exchanges. Quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive, these Chewy Cookie Bars tick a lot of boxes for the perfect cookie swap recipe. I’d definitely add them to my list.
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2023 update:
Sometimes it’s the simplest of recipes that end up being the most loved. These Chewy Raisin Bars have certainly earned their place as a fan favourite. Without the frills of frosting or niche ingredients, these come together quickly and easily for afternoon tea, bake sales and beyond.
We’re always happy to reach for these when in need of a wholesome treat, or to stock the Christmas cookie freezer. Have you made them? Let us know what you think!
Love new cookie recipes?
If you liked this recipe you many want to check out this great collection of No Bake Cookies that was incredibly popular during our last Holiday season.
Like this Chewy Raisin Bars recipe?
Be sure to browse the photo index of over 200 cookie and cookie bar recipes is in our expansive Cookies Category.
You may also be interested in our recipe for The Best Blondies, using only 7 ingredients to achieve perfection! A great alternative if you aren’t a raisin person (we won’t hold it against you.)
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Chewy Raisin Bars
Chewy Raisin Bars. These old fashioned cookie squares are a little dense and chewy like blondies, with a delicious, caramel flavour which comes from using only brown sugar in the batter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (dark is best for flavour)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 3/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
- Cream butter, brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy
- Add the eggs, one at a time and beat well.
- Sift together the flour & baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, folding to combine well.
- Fold in 3/4 cup raisins. (A little extra won't hurt if you choose.)
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9 inch pan. Bake for about 40 minutes.
- When they are fully baked, the centre should be set and not indent when pressed lightly with your finger. If not, give them another few minutes.
- Cool thoroughly before cutting into squares or bars.
- These will freeze particularly well in sealed plastic containers.
Notes
If you do not like raisins, try using other fruit like chopped dried apricots or cherries.
Nutrition Information
Yield
25Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 168Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 34mgSodium 97mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 0gSugar 13gProtein 2g
The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by third party software and is meant as a guideline only. Exact accuracy is not guaranteed. For recipes where all ingredients may not be used entirely, such as those with coatings on meats, or with sauces or dressings for example, calorie & nutritional values per serving will likely be somewhat lower than indicated.