A soft, chewy, and comforting bar cookie filled with oats, raisins, and a sweet maple-cinnamon frosting — perfect for any occasion!
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 (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup raisins
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon maple extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Cookie Bars:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan , line it with parchment paper (leaving overhang for easy removal), and set aside.
- In a medium bowl , whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl , use an electric mixer to beat:
- Butter and brown sugar
until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Butter and brown sugar
- Add:
- Eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition
- Vanilla extract
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Using a spatula, fold in:
- Oats
- Raisins
The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is just set.
- Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat:
- Butter
until smooth and creamy.
- Butter
- Gradually add:
- Powdered sugar
Mixing until fully incorporated.
- Powdered sugar
- Add:
- Maple syrup
- Heavy cream
- Cinnamon
- Maple extract (optional)
Beat until smooth and spreadable.
3. Finish & Serve:
- Once bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into 9 large or 12 smaller squares .
- Serve and enjoy these soft, chewy, nostalgic oatmeal raisin bars!
🕒 Recipe Notes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes (35 mins prep + 18 mins bake)
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Make Ahead: These freeze well! Wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
✅ Tips & Variations:
- Use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking if preferred (may slightly alter texture).
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for variety.
- For a drizzle topping, make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk instead of frosting.
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of cozy and sweet — great for lunchboxes, picnics, or a classic dessert at family gatherings! 🧁🍂