Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

There’s something so comforting about the combination of oats, cinnamon, and raisins—it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars take that classic flavor and elevate it with a luscious maple-cinnamon frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, after-school treats, or just a cozy evening snack, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic flavors and modern decadence.

Let’s dive into how to make these delightful bars and why they’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!

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)

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper for easy removal, and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the oats and raisins using a spatula. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, and optionally sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for visual appeal. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges turn golden.

Step 7: Cool

Let the bars cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Mix until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy every chewy, frosted bite!

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Raisins: To prevent your raisins from becoming hard during baking, use fresh, plump raisins. If they feel dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes and pat dry before adding them to the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars; they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Parchment Paper Trick: Let the paper hang over the edges of the pan for easy lifting—this makes slicing a breeze!

Substitutions and Variations

• Raisins Not Your Thing? Substitute with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use vegan butter and a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes! Old-fashioned oats will add a slightly chewier texture, but they work perfectly in this recipe.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden, and the center should look set but still soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own, but the frosting takes them to the next level of indulgence.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, refrigerate for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

More Delicious Treats to Try

• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
• Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies
• Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars

Each of these recipes brings its own unique twist to classic flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of year!

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with maple-cinnamon frosting are a delightful treat that combines chewy, sweet, and spiced flavors into every bite. They’re simple to make but taste like they came straight from a bakery. Try them today, and watch them disappear in no time!

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