Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Cozy Maple-Cinnamon Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can be substituted with a gluten-free blend.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Essential leavening agent.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Feel free to experiment with nutmeg for flavor.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Use sea salt for extra flavor.); 1/2 cup Butter (Can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.); 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Can be swapped with white sugar.); 2 large Eggs (For a vegan option, consider using flax eggs.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Highly recommended.); 2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (Avoid instant oats.); 1 cup Raisins (Chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be used as substitutes.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Granulated sugar can be powdered if needed.); 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (Can be substituted with honey or agave syrup.); 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (Milk can be used as an alternative.); 1 teaspoon Optional Maple Extract (Can elevate sweetness.)

The aroma of warm oats and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen transports me back to cozy family gatherings, where dessert was always an anticipated delight. These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple-Cinnamon Frosting capture that nostalgia beautifully. Not only are they simple to bake, making them perfect for those busy weeknights, but they also satisfy both sweet cravings and wholesome ingredient preferences. Each square offers a comforting chewiness that lovingly embraces your taste buds, while the luxurious frosting adds a creamy finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Are you ready to bring a taste of home into your kitchen with these delightful bars?

Why will you adore these bars?

Nostalgic Taste: Each bite of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars brings back cherished memories of sweet family gatherings, making them a comforting treat everyone will love.
Effortless Baking: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these bars in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Versatile Deliciousness: Feel free to swap raisins for chocolate chips or dried fruits to tailor them to your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether for a school event or a cozy dessert at home, these bars will have friends and family asking for the recipe!
Serve them with coffee or a glass of milk, and enjoy a delightful combination that’s as classic as my beloved Strawberry Rhubarb Bars.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Ingredients

• What you’ll need to bake these delicious bars.

For the Cookie Bars

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can be substituted with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
Baking Soda – Essential leavening agent that helps the bars rise, so no substitutions here.
Cinnamon – Adds a warm, inviting spice; feel free to experiment with nutmeg for a different flavor!
Salt – Enhances flavor; use sea salt for an extra depth of taste.
Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar – Imparts sweetness and moisture to the bars; swapping it with white sugar will change the flavor slightly.
Eggs – Binds all ingredients together; for a vegan alternative, consider using flax eggs instead.
Vanilla Extract – Instills a lovely depth of flavor; can be omitted but is highly recommended.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Crucial for chewiness; avoid instant oats, as they will alter the texture significantly.
Raisins – Provide sweetness and a chewy texture; chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be used as substitutes if desired.

For the Maple-Cinnamon Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting; granulated sugar can be powdered in a blender if needed.
Maple Syrup – Adds a luscious sweetness and flavor to the frosting; substitute with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
Heavy Cream – Contributes to the frosting’s velvety texture; milk can be used as an alternative.
Optional Maple Extract – Intensifies the maple flavor in the frosting; it’s optional but can elevate the sweetness!

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to creating those delightful Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with baking spray and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars after baking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, which will give your cookie bars a lovely uniform flavor and texture. Set this mixture aside for the moment.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. The butter should look pale and airy, indicating that enough air has been incorporated to create a tender cookie bar.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract, blending until everything is smoothly combined. This step will add richness and depth of flavor to your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars that everyone will adore.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain. Then, gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins using a spatula, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Spread the Cookie Dough
Pour the thick cookie dough into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for added visual appeal. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky, filling the corners of the pan.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the edges turn golden brown and the center feels set but slightly soft to the touch. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

Step 8: Cool the Bars
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Ensuring they cool fully enhances the flavor and makes cutting into bars easier.

Step 9: Make the Maple-Cinnamon Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Mix until the frosting is creamy and spreadable, achieving that perfect velvety consistency ideal for topping your cookie bars.

Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once the cookie bars are fully cooled, generously frost the top with your creamy maple-cinnamon frosting using a spatula. Slice into squares, plate them up, and get ready to enjoy your delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars—perfect for sharing with family or savoring on your own!

How to Store and Freeze Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Room Temperature: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This will maintain their softness and delicious flavors for a longer time.

Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, ensuring they’re sealed well. They can last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.

Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, microwave frozen bars for about 20-30 seconds. This will bring back their soft, chewy goodness, just like freshly baked!

What to Serve with Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Indulge in a delightful meal by pairing with fresh, comforting sides that enhance the sweetness of these cookie bars.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The coolness and creaminess of vanilla ice cream perfectly balance the rich flavors of the cookie bars, making for a classic dessert duo.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries and citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars while providing a pop of color and nutrition on your plate.
Warm Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea beautifully echo the cinnamon notes of the bars, creating a soothing and aromatic beverage experience.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this tropical twist adds a subtle sweetness, enhancing each bite of the cookie bars while keeping things airy.
Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate offers a cozy companion that brings comfort, especially during chilly evenings; perfect for dipping!
Nutty Trail Mix: For a crunchy texture contrast, serve a side of trail mix featuring nuts and seeds; it provides a deliciously wholesome touch to your dessert experience.
Maple-Glazed Carrots: These sweet, tender veggies are a delightful contrast to cookie bars, echoing the maple flavor in the frosting for a cohesive meal.
Sparkling Water with Lime: For a refreshing drink, sparkling water brightened with a splash of lime cleanses the palate between bites and elevates your dining experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are perfect for those looking to make life a little easier during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients together, then cover and refrigerate it. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Alternatively, you can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely to maintain their softness. When you’re ready to serve, frost them with the creamy maple-cinnamon frosting, and you’ll enjoy delicious, homemade bars with minimal fuss!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Variations

Feel free to get creative with these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars and make them your own!

Chocolate Chip Swap: Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. The additional texture is fantastic!
Cranberry Boost: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Vegan Option: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and coconut oil instead of butter for a kinder, plant-based treat. You won’t miss the dairy!
Spicy Kick: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough. It adds an exciting warmth and depth.
Frosting Variations: Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or chocolate for a unique combination; each brings its own delightful character.
Dried Fruit Medley: Use a mix of dried fruits such as apricots or figs instead of raisins for a complex, fruity taste in each bite.
Savory Touch: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting for an intriguing sweet-savory balance that’s simply irresistible!

As you explore these variations, consider how lovely it would be to pair one of these bars with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee—just like you might with my delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Bars. Enjoy the journey of flavor!

Expert Tips for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter can result in dense bars due to insufficient aeration.
Oats Matter: Always use old-fashioned rolled oats for a delightful chew; quick oats may lead to a mushy texture.
Mix with Care: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until blended. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft, tender delights.
Correct Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; they should be golden around the edges and soft in the center to guarantee perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.
Cooling is Key: Allow bars to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures a beautiful, creamy topping.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right type of oats for these bars?
Absolutely! For the best texture and chewiness, use old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe. Instant or quick oats are not recommended as they may alter the final texture, leading to softer, mushier bars.

What is the best way to store leftover Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to prolong their freshness, refrigerate them where they can last for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure they’re well sealed to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Yes! To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds to revive that soft, chewy goodness!

What should I do if my cookie bars turn out too dry?
If your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars come out dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Always check your bars a minute or two before the specified baking time. If you want to salvage them, serve with a scoop of ice cream or warm them slightly to regain some tenderness.

Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
You can make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination and ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious treat!

Can I substitute the raisins with other ingredients?
Very! You can definitely swap raisins for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins to find the combination that suits your taste best!