Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices! Topped with a rich maple cinnamon frosting, these dessert bars are a comforting twist on the classic cookie. Ideal for lunchboxes, family gatherings, or an afternoon treat!
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a no-fuss dessert recipe.
- Perfect Texture – Soft, chewy, and packed with oats and raisins.
- Maple Cinnamon Frosting – Adds a warm, sweet touch that elevates these bars to the next level.
- Great for Sharing – Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or homemade gifts.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch ahead and freeze for later enjoyment.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups quick-cook oats
- 1 cup raisins
For the Maple Cinnamon Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until no flour streaks remain. Fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and sticky.
6: Bake the Cookie Bars
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it down gently with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the bars cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7: Make the Maple Cinnamon Frosting
While the cookie bars are cooling, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract (if using) until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Variations and Customizations for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Nutty Crunch – Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted bars for a decadent finish.
- Dried Fruit Mix – Substitute half the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan Adaptation – Use dairy-free butter, flax eggs, and plant-based cream.
Storage Tips
In the Refrigerator: Store frosted Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! Bake and frost the bars up to 2 days in advance. Store them covered until ready to serve.
- Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats? Quick oats provide a softer texture, but old-fashioned oats will work if you prefer a chewier bite.
- How do I prevent the bars from being too dry? Avoid overbaking. Remove the bars from the oven once the edges turn golden and the center is set.
- Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, increasing the bake time by 5-8 minutes.
- Is the frosting necessary? While the maple cinnamon frosting adds extra flavor, these bars are delicious on their own.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
- Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake Recipe
- Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake
- Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Conclusion
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars deliver all the nostalgic flavors of classic oatmeal cookies in a soft, chewy, and easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are simple to prepare and impossible to resist. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a special treat during the holidays, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite in your collection of dessert recipes.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups quick-cook oats
- 1 cup raisins
For the Maple Cinnamon Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until no flour streaks remain. Fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it down gently with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the bars cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Maple Cinnamon Frosting: While the cookie bars are cooling, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract (if using) until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- In the Refrigerator: Store frosted Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- In the Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
