Baking

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic combination of oats, cinnamon, and raisins. These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars take those nostalgic flavors and elevate them with a soft, chewy texture and a luscious maple-cinnamon frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, after-school snacks, or a cozy treat with your afternoon coffee, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet indulgence and homemade goodness. Not only are they easy to make, but they also bring a bakery-style taste right to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled for a firmer bite, these bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness!

Full Recipe:

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)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper, and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the oats and raisins.
  6. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for a nice touch.
  7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. 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.
  9. For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Mix until creamy and spreadable.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 270 kcal (per bar, based on 12 bars) | Servings: 12 bars

Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic, but making them in bar form offers several benefits:

  1. Chewy & Soft Texture: Unlike individual cookies, these bars stay extra chewy in the center while developing just the right amount of crispness on the edges.
  2. Easier & Faster to Make: No need to scoop and shape individual cookies—just spread the dough in a pan, bake, and slice.
  3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a naturally sweet and cozy flavor profile, while the maple-cinnamon frosting enhances the experience with a touch of creaminess and warmth.
  4. Great for Sharing: Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, holiday dessert tray, or a potluck, these bars are perfect for slicing and serving.
  5. Versatile & Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for a different take on this classic treat.

The Inspiration Behind These Cookie Bars

Oatmeal raisin cookies have been around for over a century, often considered a healthier alternative to other cookies due to the inclusion of oats and dried fruit. Their popularity grew in the early 1900s when oats became a pantry staple, and today, they remain a go-to for anyone craving a comforting, slightly spiced dessert.

These cookie bars were inspired by the need for a simpler, more indulgent version of the traditional oatmeal raisin cookie. By baking the dough in a single pan and topping it with a luscious maple-cinnamon frosting, we create a treat that’s just as comforting as the original but with an elevated twist. The addition of maple syrup and cinnamon in the frosting enhances the overall warmth and flavor of the bars, making them truly irresistible.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

To ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

1. Use Quick-Cooking Oats for the Best Texture

Quick-cooking oats are the best choice for these cookie bars because they blend seamlessly into the dough, creating a soft yet slightly chewy texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats can also be used, but they will result in a slightly heartier bite. Avoid using steel-cut oats, as they are too tough and will not soften properly during baking.

2. Soften the Butter for a Fluffy Dough

Softened butter is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture in your bars. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, while melted butter can make the bars too dense. Leave your butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure the perfect consistency.

3. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing can lead to dense and tough cookie bars. When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour. A few streaks of flour left in the dough are completely fine, as they will blend in when you fold in the oats and raisins.

4. Choose Quality Raisins & Soak Them for Extra Softness

Raisins can sometimes become dry and tough, especially if they have been sitting in the pantry for a while. To make them extra plump and juicy, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. Drain and pat them dry before mixing them in.

5. Let the Bars Cool Before Frosting

While it might be tempting to spread on the frosting while the bars are still warm, be patient! Applying frosting too early will cause it to melt and lose its creamy consistency. Wait until the bars are completely cool before spreading on the maple-cinnamon goodness.

6. Enhance the Frosting with Maple Extract (Optional)

If you love a strong maple flavor, adding a few drops of maple extract to the frosting will intensify the taste. While this is optional, it really takes the frosting to the next level and complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Variations & Add-Ins

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize the bars to suit your preferences by trying out different add-ins:

  • Chopped Nuts: Add a crunch by mixing in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
  • Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter touch, replace ½ cup of raisins with chocolate chips.
  • Coconut Flakes: Shredded coconut can add a hint of tropical flavor and extra chewiness.
  • Cranberries: Swap raisins for dried cranberries for a slightly tangy twist.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of salted caramel over the frosting for an extra decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions

These cookie bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

  • With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The warm spices and chewy texture make these bars the perfect companion to a cozy beverage.
  • As an On-the-Go Snack: Pack them in a lunchbox or take them on road trips for a delicious homemade snack.
  • For Special Occasions: Serve them as part of a dessert platter at holiday gatherings or bake sales.
  • Warm with Ice Cream: Heat up a bar in the microwave for a few seconds and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage & Freezing Tips

To keep your oatmeal raisin cookie bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

  • At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • In the Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place the bars in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple-Cinnamon Frosting are the ultimate combination of nostalgic flavors and bakery-style indulgence. With their soft, chewy texture, warm spices, and rich maple-cinnamon frosting, these bars are perfect for any occasion from casual snacking to special celebrations.

Not only are they easy to make, but they also allow for endless customization, making them a go-to dessert recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven, chilled for a firmer bite, or warmed up with a scoop of ice cream, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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