The Easiest Bar Cookie Recipe

The most challenging task in this bar cookie recipe is chopping dates. Dipping the blade of the knife in water occasionally will keep it from getting too sticky. Preparing the filling a day ahead will save time and make things go smoothly on baking day.

Ingredients for crust and topping:

All purpose flour 1¼ cup
Old-fashion or quick-cooking oats 1 cup
Light brown sugar, packed ½ cup
Unsalted butter, softened ½ cup
Baking soda ¼ tsp
Ground cinnamon ¼ tsp
Salt ¼ tsp


  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. and line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil. Slightly grease foil.

  • Mix by hand flour, oats, brown sugar, softened butter, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture comes together.

    Just before baking

  • Place 2 cups of mixture in the prepared baking pan and save the remainder for topping. Press it firmly and evenly. Bake 10 minutes, then let it cool completely in pan on wire rack. Turn off oven.


  • Date filling

    Date filling
    Pitted dates, chopped 10 oz.
    Water ¾ cup
    Light brown sugar, packed 2 Tbsp



  • Cook chopped dates, water, and light brown sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens and all liquid has been absorbed.

  • Transfer filling to a bowl and allow to cool under a cover.

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

    Per bar cookie recipe

  • Spread cooled date filling over cooled crust; top evenly with reserved mixture. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes until topping is golden. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.


    Date Bars
  • Lift the whole bar out of its baking pan with the extended foil. Peel the foil away and cut into pieces of desirable sizes.
  • Other Easy Bar Cookie Recipes