Baking with Heart: Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars for Cancer Awareness & a KitchenAid Giveaway
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Love, in its purest and most profound sense, transcends mere verbal expression. Every individual finds unique and heartfelt ways to convey their deepest affection, and for me, food has always been that powerful, unspoken language. There are moments when words fail, when the complexity of human emotion surpasses the limits of our vocabulary; in these instances, a warm, comforting slice of cake or a freshly baked batch of cookies can communicate empathy, solace, or joy with a richness that spoken words sometimes cannot. Our language, while incredibly versatile, does indeed have its boundaries. We can articulate apologies, declarations of love, or pleas for forgiveness, but it is often our actions that leave the most indelible mark and create a truly profound difference. I am not suggesting that language is shallow, but rather that its capacity to express certain deep-seated emotions—like overwhelming sorrow or boundless gratitude—can feel limited. For example, I often find it challenging to articulate deep sorrow, feeling that anything I might say would be superficial compared to the gravity of the situation. This brings to mind the timeless saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” Whoever coined that phrase understood the intrinsic power of thoughtful deeds. Creating something special with your own hands, investing your time and heart into a tangible gesture, is a perfect way to let that special someone know just how much you genuinely care, offering comfort and connection beyond verbal declarations.
Showing someone you care can indeed be as simple as crafting something from the very core of your heart, and that is precisely what we are doing together today. I was incredibly honored and touched when the lovely Kim from Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen from Juanita’s Cocina reached out to me, extending a heartfelt invitation to join them in a vital mission: to help support and raise crucial awareness for cancer and hospice care. As part of this collaborative effort, we are all creating homemade items, infused with compassion and dedication, to demonstrate the profound depth of our care and solidarity. This initiative, dubbed #RecipesfromtheHeart, is a testament to how food can serve as a powerful medium for connecting with others, offering solace, and building a community of support.
Today’s deeply meaningful event is being co-hosted by the wonderful Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen of Juanita’s Cocina. They have passionately teamed up with their fellow blogger friends to dedicate this special day to raising essential awareness and garnering support for Cancer and Hospice organizations. This collaborative effort is particularly poignant as it is held in cherished memory of Kim’s beloved father. We strongly encourage everyone to take the time to read through these inspiring posts, to absorb the personal stories and invaluable insights shared, and to consider contributing by sharing their own experiences with cancer. Such sharing helps to normalize conversations around this challenging disease and reminds us that no one faces it alone. Beyond personal testimonials, we also wholeheartedly encourage every reader to consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society, and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. Hospice care, as highlighted by Kim’s personal journey, was a critical element during her father’s brave battle with cancer. It was through the compassionate support of hospice that Kim was able to provide care for him within the comforting environment of their home, ensuring dignity and peace during his final days. Your generous support, no matter how modest, can make an immense difference in providing vital resources and comfort to countless patients and their families. You also have the option to contact your local Hospice directly and contribute to their invaluable work if you wish. Remember, even a small contribution truly goes a long way in supporting these essential services and making a positive impact.
Just last year, the world tragically lost a truly special and unforgettable person: my Uncle Gene, taken too soon by the relentless grip of lung cancer. He valiantly battled the disease for several years, fighting with the spirit and strength of a true warrior. In the end, however, the cancer proved to be an insurmountable foe. The memories of him are vivid, rich with laughter and warmth. I’ll never forget the time he and my dad, lost in conversation or perhaps a momentary distraction, ran full-force into the sliding glass door, convinced it was open. Their subsequent, utterly charming attempts to casually “walk it off,” pretending as if no one had just witnessed their faces smashing into the glass, still bring a chuckle to my lips. I clearly recall the distinctive hat with its bright green visor that he always wore to protect his face from the sun, and the thoughtful gesture when he bought me one just like it. His cherished spot by the garage, where he would always sit, quietly taking in the surroundings and basking in the sun, remains a comforting image in my mind. I’ll forever treasure the good times we shared – the lively family parties, the spirited games of horseshoes that stretched into the quiet, late hours of the night. His endearing obsession with maintaining the pristine cleanliness of his swimming pool, and his constant, playful refrain to “chew, chew, chew” as we enjoyed our meals, are quirks I will always remember with affection. And, of course, the sheer delight and anticipation that would light up our faces as he handed over what we instinctively knew were scratch-off lottery tickets – those moments were pure, unadulterated joy.
Uncle Gene, like many of us, had a soft spot for the occasional sweet treat. Whenever I was baking, he would invariably ask what delicious concoction I was creating and, with a hopeful glint in his eye, inquire if he might have some. Whether I had just pulled a cake from the oven, baked a fresh batch of chewy cookies, or made rich, fudgy brownies, a plate would always be prepared, destined for delivery to my dear Uncle Gene. There is a deep, abiding pleasure I derive from feeding others, from seeing the simple joy on their faces as they savor something made with love and care. It’s an act that feels profoundly fulfilling and connects us in a unique way.
Uncle Gene, your spirit and your memory are carried with me forever in my heart. You are truly missed, and your impact on my life continues to resonate. These incredibly delicious Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars, packed with warmth and comforting flavors, are baked especially for you – a sweet and heartfelt tribute to a man who appreciated a good treat and was loved beyond measure.
The delightful inspiration for this specific recipe originated from a profound appreciation for Jessica’s incredibly delicious and wonderfully addictive Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Oat Bars from her blog, A Kitchen Addiction. After enthusiastically whipping up two batches of her phenomenal creation, a little spark of culinary creativity ignited within me. I began to ponder, “What if I could put a unique spin on this comforting oat bar concept, infusing it with different, yet equally beloved flavors?” The thought of replacing the traditional peanut butter with rich, creamy, spiced cookie butter and then generously folding in a copious amount of aromatic cinnamon chips was an idea that I simply couldn’t resist exploring. And just like that, with a culinary “Voila!” and a dash of experimentation, these uniquely delicious and utterly unforgettable Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars were born. They represent a harmonious fusion of comforting textures and warm, inviting flavors, creating a new favorite that is perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to share a little extra love and comfort with those around you.
These exquisite bars offer a truly unparalleled and irresistible textural experience that will delight your senses. The exterior bakes to perfection, forming a delightful sugary, crispy crust that provides a satisfying initial crunch with every bite. However, don’t let that crispiness fool you; beneath that golden, tempting shell, the interior remains wonderfully gooey and remarkably soft, practically melting in your mouth. If you’ve never had the distinct pleasure of experiencing cinnamon chips before, then this recipe serves as your absolute must-try introduction to their magic. These delightful little morsels are far more than just sweet additions; they are intensely flavorful, bursting with a deep, warm, and incredibly aromatic cinnamon spice that elevates the entire bar to an extraordinary level. They transform a simple oat bar into an unforgettable treat, making them an ideal indulgence for anyone who adores the comforting and complex flavors of cinnamon.
Prepare yourself for pure bliss, because with these bars, your mouth’s ultimate dream of sweet, spiced, and comforting indulgence has just become a delicious, undeniable reality!
To effortlessly whip up these absolutely fabulous bars, I wholeheartedly relied on my invaluable KitchenAid Stand Mixer. She’s not just a kitchen appliance; she’s a vibrant personality in her own right – a stunning hot pink, or “raspberry ice” to be perfectly precise, and undeniably beautiful in every aspect. I affectionately call her Lola. Honestly, I’d be utterly and completely lost without Lola by my side in the kitchen. She takes the often-laborious task of mixing and transforms it into an absolute cinch, effortlessly handling everything from delicate batters to dense doughs with grace and power. Lola is, without a shadow of a doubt, a definite must-have kitchen tool for anyone who cherishes the art of baking or cooking. She makes the entire process not only more efficient but also significantly more enjoyable, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the creative and passionate aspects of culinary creation. Here’s a charming picture of me and my indispensable Lola, proudly showcasing her vibrant style and my affection:
If your aspiration is to truly expand your culinary horizons, to delve deeper into the world of home cooking and baking, and to elevate your creations to new heights, then investing in the right tools is absolutely paramount. The KitchenAid® Stand Mixer stands as an iconic and truly indispensable piece of equipment, perfectly suited for all your kitchen adventures, both the simple and the ambitious, and so much more. Its robust motor, coupled with an incredible array of versatile attachments, and its timeless, elegant design, collectively make it a foundational cornerstone for any serious home chef or passionate baker. From effortlessly kneading resilient bread doughs to achieving perfectly airy whipped meringues, or even venturing into making fresh pasta from scratch, the KitchenAid mixer empowers you to confidently tackle an astonishing variety of recipes with unparalleled ease, precision, and efficiency, opening up an entirely new world of culinary possibilities right in your own kitchen.
***For a limited time, our readers had the incredible opportunity to enter for their chance to Win an Artisan® Series KitchenAid® Stand Mixer in the vibrant color of their choice (with an impressive selection of 26 stunning options available!). This grand prize also included a coveted Ice Cream Maker Attachment. This was truly a sweet choice for all dessert enthusiasts, as this innovative and creative attachment boasts the largest ice cream bowl capacity in the entire industry. It enables you to effortlessly prepare a generous 2 quarts of delightful homemade ice cream, refreshing sorbet, creamy gelato, or other beloved frozen desserts with exceptional ease. We were absolutely thrilled to announce that this exciting giveaway was open to both Canadian residents and U.S. Residents, ensuring a broad opportunity for participation. The fortunate winner was chosen and proudly announced during the special pinchatlive event, creating a buzz of anticipation. Additionally, the winner received a direct notification via email and was given a reasonable timeframe of 48 hours to respond and claim their prize. Should the initial winner not respond within the specified period, another deserving winner was chosen to ensure the prize found a happy home. It is important to clarify for our valued readers that one Stand Mixer and one Ice Cream Attachment were given away as a collective prize package to a single winner, not one prize per participating blog, ensuring transparency and clarity.
In addition to the main prize, there were exciting bonus prizes for active participants in the interactive pinchatlive event, further enhancing the festive and engaging atmosphere. We were delighted to offer one exquisite Vanilla Infused Gift Box Set, one delightful Lemon Infused Gift Box Set, and a generous $30 Amazon Gift Card. To participate in this engaging event, individuals were encouraged to follow the dedicated Pinterest Board titled #recipesfromtheheart. Participants then joined us live on the Pinterest board on June 22 at 2 pm EST to follow along with the discussion and activities in real-time. We actively engaged with our community by posing thought-provoking questions, and those who commented were automatically entered into a drawing to win these fantastic bonus prizes. A G+ Hangout on Air was also held concurrently during the event, adding another interactive and visual dimension to the celebration. Winners of the pinchatlive event were required to be either Canadian or U.S. residents to be eligible for the prizes. To fully explore the comprehensive range of possibilities that the KitchenAid® Stand Mixer offers, including all 12 incredible attachments meticulously designed to expand your culinary repertoire and unleash your creativity, we invited everyone to visit Facebook.com/KitchenAidCanada and click on the convenient “More than a Mixer” tab. This section truly showcased the immense versatility, innovative design, and enduring quality of KitchenAid products, demonstrating that it is, indeed, far more than just a mixer.
Discover even more heartwarming culinary creations and comforting recipes submitted as part of the inspiring #RecipesfromtheHeart event. Each link below leads to a unique dish, lovingly prepared and thoughtfully shared by a community of talented bloggers, all united in their mission to spread comfort, connection, and vital awareness for a cause close to our hearts:
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Home-made Strawberry Topping by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Chili Verde by Juanita’s Cocina
- S’Mores Brownies in Jars by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Dark Chocolate and Orange Muffins by The Dutch Baker’s Daughter
- Boston Cream Pie by Pass The Sushi
- My Fathers Day Recipe Round Up by Curry and Comfort
- Tropical Smoothie by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Mini Gugelhupf by Masala Herb
- Sauteed Strawberry and Sugarsnap Salad by Cook The Story
- Cranberry Cashew Breakfast Muffins by In Fine Balance
- Arugula Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Mushrooms by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Spicy Beef Sliders by Katie’s Cucina
- Thai Red Curry Soup by Damn Delicious
- Suman (Sweet Rice and Banana Leaves) by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Fresh Vegetable Salad by White Lights on Wednesday
- Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Sundae by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Bars by The Messy Baker
- Berry/Cherry Fro-Yo Ice Cream by Cookistry
- Honey Beer Bread by Hungry Couple
- Cinnamon-Chocolate Chip Pancakes by The Spiffy Cookie
- Chocolate Cherry Granola Bars by Sweet Remedy
- Cookies and Cream Brownies by Cooking in Stilettos
- Blueberry Lemon Cake by Roxana’s Home Baking
- Angel Cake by Ninja Baking
- Knit (or crocheted) Grey Brain Cancer Mustache Pin by Knit, Purl, Damn!
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Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup cookie butter, such as Biscoff or Speculoos, for a rich, spiced flavor
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar, to add moisture and a hint of caramel
- 2 large eggs, essential for binding and adding richness
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract, to enhance all the sweet flavors
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, forming the structural base of the bars
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, for a delightful chewiness and hearty texture
- 1 tsp baking soda, for the perfect lift and tender crumb
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to balance the sweetness and brighten the overall taste
- 1 1/2 cups cinnamon chips, the star ingredient, bursting with deep, aromatic cinnamon spice
- Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 by 13-inch baking pan by carefully lining it with a piece of parchment paper. Ensure that the parchment paper extends over the two longest sides of the pan; these convenient “slings” will make removing the cooled bars incredibly easy. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and kosher salt. This crucial step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- In the spacious bowl of your stand mixer (my trusty Lola!), fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and the brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and fluffy, a process that usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the creamy cookie butter and the pure vanilla extract; mix until these ingredients are just combined. Remember to frequently scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and allowing each egg to fully integrate into the batter before adding the next.
- Slowly and gradually add the whisked dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, mixing on low speed until the ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough, dense bars. Once the dough has come together, gently stir in the generous 1 1/2 cups of cinnamon chips by hand until they are evenly distributed throughout the rich, spiced dough.
- Press the prepared dough evenly and firmly into the bottom of your parchment-lined baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure a compact, level layer across the entire pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the center of the bars is just set but still appears slightly soft. A wooden toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is absolutely crucial for the bars to set properly and achieve their ideal texture. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to gently lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and transfer them to a clean cutting board. Cut the slab into your desired squares or rectangular bars. Store these delightful Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, though, given their irresistible taste, I highly doubt they’ll last that long!
Disclosure: KitchenAid generously provided us with one stand mixer for the sole purpose of giving it away to one of our fortunate readers. Rest assured, all opinions and sentiments expressed within this post are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience and profound appreciation for their exceptional products.