The Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

My favorite weekend baking project involves these incredible oatmeal raisin cookie bars that always spark joy in my kitchen.

Sweet memories from childhood come flooding back whenever I mix these ingredients.

Soft, chewy textures blend perfectly with warm spices that make everyone smile.

Cinnamon adds a gentle warmth that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Packed with wholesome rolled oats and plump raisins, these bars feel like a comforting hug.

Baking is about creating moments of happiness, and you’ll definitely want to share these delightful treats with people you love.

Grab a cup of milk and get ready to experience pure comfort in every single bite.

Baking Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×9-inch pan and coat it with baking spray.

Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to blend butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix.

Step 4: Add Moisture

Drop in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend well.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Mix gently until everything is just combined.

• Oats
• Raisins

The dough will feel thick and sticky.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

If you want, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Look for golden edges as your signal that they’re done.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the bars rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes.

Then use the parchment paper to lift them onto a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 9: Create Dreamy Frosting

Beat butter until smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Heavy cream
• Cinnamon
• Maple extract (optional)

Blend until the frosting is creamy and perfect.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy!

Cookie Bar Baking Tips with Soft, Chewy Oats

• Ensure butter is at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, fluffy base for your cookie bars.
• Do not overmix the dough or overbake, as this can lead to dry, crumbly bars – watch closely during the last few minutes of baking.
• Swap raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to personalize your cookie bars and add exciting texture.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
• Reduce powdered sugar in frosting by one-quarter cup if you prefer less sweet treats, adjusting consistency with a tiny splash of cream.

Save Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

• Store cooled oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container, layering between wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Alternatively, microwave on low power for 15-20 seconds.
• Warm bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

Drinks for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

• Pair Warm Chai Tea: Spicy chai tea complements the cinnamon notes in the oatmeal raisin bars, creating a cozy and harmonious flavor combination that enhances the cookie's warmth.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy texture of the bars, balancing the sweet maple frosting with its smooth richness.
• Match with Caramel Latte: The deep caramel and coffee undertones of a latte perfectly highlight the brown sugar and maple elements in the cookie bars, offering a sophisticated taste experience.
• Enjoy with Roasted Almond Milk: Nutty, slightly sweet almond milk cleanses the palate between bites and echoes the oatmeal's wholesome flavor, making each bar taste even more delicious.

Oatmeal Raisin Bars with Nutty Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Oatmeal Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original texture and flavor.
• Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free maple frosting made from vegan powdered sugar and plant-based milk.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sugar content while maintaining the cookie's rich taste and soft texture.
• Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped walnuts or sliced almonds to the dough for extra crunch and protein, creating a more nutritionally dense dessert bar that keeps you satisfied longer.

FAQs

• Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats can work, but they’ll change the texture slightly. Rolled oats provide a better chew and more hearty texture in the bars.

• How do I know if the bars are fully baked?

Look for golden edges and a set center. The bars should still be slightly soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to set while cooling.

• Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own. The maple frosting adds extra sweetness, but it’s optional if you prefer a simpler, less sweet treat.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that works well for baking to maintain the right texture.

Oatmeal Raisin Bars People Can’t Stop Snacking On

Whip Up Comfort: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

• Quick Family Dessert: Perfect weeknight treat that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy parents wanting a homemade sweet without extensive preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Combines classic oatmeal raisin cookie flavors in convenient bar form, appealing to both kids and adults with its soft texture and warm cinnamon notes.
• Stress-Free Baking: No complicated techniques required – simple mixing and pressing method means even beginner bakers can create delicious homemade dessert with minimal kitchen skills.
• Maple Frosting Magic: Bonus maple cream frosting elevates these bars from basic to gourmet, adding unexpected richness and sophistication to a traditional recipe.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Ingredient Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie bars.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice to enhance flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out other flavors.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Rolled Oats, Raisins: Add texture, chewiness, and natural sweetness to the cookie bars. Choose plump, moist raisins for best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth, creamy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Maple Syrup: Adds rich, natural sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve creamy frosting texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to frosting.
• Maple Extract: Optional ingredient for extra maple flavor.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars bring classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Sweet raisins and hearty oats combine in a perfectly chewy bar that promises delightful moments of pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Fats:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, transform butter, brown sugar, and white sugar into a creamy, aerated mixture with soft peaks and uniform texture.
3. Introduce eggs and vanilla essence, blending thoroughly until the liquid ingredients incorporate seamlessly with the sugar mixture.
4. In a separate container, combine flour, leavening agent, ground cinnamon, and salt, whisking to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet components, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture.
6. Incorporate whole rolled oats and plump raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the dough with delicate movements.
7. Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface that ensures uniform baking.
8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set, approximately 25-30 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps them set and makes cutting easier.
10. Once cooled, slice into precise square portions and serve these delectable, soft-baked treats.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delightful texture and taste.
• Toast oats briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Soak raisins in warm water or rum for 10 minutes before adding to prevent them from burning and ensure they remain plump and moist during baking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before spreading in the pan to help prevent excessive spreading and create denser, chewier bars with crisp edges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 269
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg