Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a nostalgic dessert that combines the hearty texture of oats with the sweetness of raisins. These bars are slightly spiced with cinnamon, giving them a warm and comforting flavor that feels like a hug in every bite.
Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, packing them for a picnic, or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup raisins
For the Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon maple extract (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cookie Bars:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper, and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the oats and raisins. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and lump-free.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
Cut the bars into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Yield
Makes 9 large or 12 small bars
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, you can substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Quick oats will make the bars softer and less chewy.
2. Can I replace the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried apricots can be used as substitutes for raisins.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually or in a single layer with parchment paper between layers, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. However, the bars will be less sweet.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Even Baking: Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure the bars bake uniformly.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Customization: Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth, or drizzle the bars with a simple icing for a touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic cookie, offering the same chewy and comforting flavors in an easy-to-make bar format. Perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or a quiet treat at home, these bars are versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite. Customize them to suit your tastes, freeze extras for later, or share them with friends—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!