Oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless favorite, and now, you can enjoy them in an easy-to-make bar form! These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the familiar chewy texture of traditional oatmeal cookies with the convenience of a bar dessert. Each bite is packed with the warmth of cinnamon, the nuttiness of oats, and the natural sweetness of raisins.
But what makes these bars truly irresistible? A rich maple cinnamon frosting that adds a layer of indulgence! Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, these bars are a must-try.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups raisins
For the Maple Cinnamon Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
This simple ingredient list creates a soft, chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The maple cinnamon frosting brings it all together for a bakery-style finish!
Instructions for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
5️⃣ Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6️⃣ Finally, fold in the oats and raisins, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the dough for the perfect texture and flavor in every bite.
Step2: Bake the Cookie Bars
1️⃣ Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.
2️⃣Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3️⃣Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step3: Make the Maple Cinnamon Frosting
1️⃣In a medium bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth.
2️⃣Add the maple syrup and cinnamon, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
3️⃣If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk, a little at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Step4: Frost and Serve
1️⃣Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the maple cinnamon frosting evenly over the top.
2️⃣Slice into bars and serve!
These soft, chewy oatmeal raisin bars with their creamy maple frosting make for the perfect comforting treat.
Baking Time, Servings & Pro Tips
Baking & Serving Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: Makes 12-16 bars, depending on the size you cut.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
- ✅ Use Room Temperature Butter – This ensures smooth creaming with the sugars for a perfect texture.
- ✅ Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of a soft, chewy texture.
- ✅ Adjust the Raisins – Not a raisin fan? Swap them for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries.
- ✅ Cool Completely Before Frosting – Spreading frosting on warm bars can make it melt and become runny.
- ✅ Double the Recipe for a Crowd – Bake in two pans if you’re making these for a gathering.
These bars are great for meal prep, snacks, or dessert—and they store well, too!
Storage, Reheating & Nutrition Info
How to Store Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- 🔹At Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly.
- 🔹 In the Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 1 week for maximum freshness.
- 🔹 In the Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat for Best Flavor
- Let refrigerated bars come to room temperature before eating.
- For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds.
- If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Estimated Nutrition per Bar (without frosting)
- Calories: ~220
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
With frosting, add about 50 extra calories per bar.
These bars are a delicious balance of oats, fiber, and sweetness, making them a satisfying treat!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars – Soft, Chewy & Delicious!
Equipment
- ✔️ 9×13-inch baking pan
- ✔️ Mixing bowls
- ✔️ Hand or stand mixer
- ✔ Whisk & spatula
- ✔️ Parchment paper
- ✔️ Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups raisins
- For the Maple Cinnamon Frosting:
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in oats and raisins.
- Step 2: Bake the Bars
- Spread the dough evenly into the baking pan.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan.
- Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat butter and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Add maple syrup and cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- If needed, add milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Step 4: Frost & Serve
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Freezing: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations: Swap raisins for chocolate chips or nuts.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes! Quick oats will create a slightly softer texture, while old-fashioned oats add more chew. Avoid instant oats, as they may make the bars too dense.
2. What can I substitute for raisins?
Not a raisin fan? Try these swaps:
- Chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.
- Dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added crunch.
3. How do I make these bars dairy-free?
- Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) in the frosting.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for best results. Also, make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free.
5. How do I keep the bars soft and chewy?
- Don’t overbake—remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, but the center is slightly soft.
- Store them properly in an airtight container to retain moisture.
- Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them extra soft!
Final Thoughts
- These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars take a classic treat and make it even easier to enjoy. They’re:
- ✔️ Chewy, soft, and perfectly spiced
- ✔️ Topped with a luscious maple cinnamon frosting
- ✔️ Great for meal prep, holiday baking, or sharing with friends
Try these bars today and let us know how they turned out! Leave a comment below if you made them, and share any fun ingredient swaps you tried. 🍪✨
