Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars take the classic oatmeal raisin cookie and turn it into a thick, chewy, and utterly delicious dessert bar. These bars are soft, packed with warm cinnamon flavor, studded with plump raisins, and topped with a rich, buttery frosting that makes them completely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday treat, or just to satisfy a craving, this easy recipe is perfect for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Soft & Chewy – The perfect balance of moist texture and chewy bite.
Easy to Make – No scooping individual cookies—just press the dough into a pan and bake!
Buttery Frosting – A luscious layer of sweet, creamy frosting makes these bars extra indulgent.
Perfect for Sharing – Bake a batch for a potluck, party, or lunchbox treat.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
For the Buttery Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs & Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fully combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Add Oats & Raisins
Fold in the oats and raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Bake the Cookie Bars
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Make the Frosting
While the bars cool, beat together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
Frost & Slice
Once completely cooled, spread the frosting over the bars. Slice into squares and enjoy
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Use Room Temperature Butter – This ensures a light, fluffy texture in the batter.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep bars soft.
Soak Raisins for Extra Softness – Let them soak in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to prevent dryness.
Let Bars Cool Before Frosting – This prevents the frosting from melting into the bars.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing:
- Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week if storing longer.
Freezing:
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Coffee: Perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
With Fruit: Try with a side of fresh apple slices for a cozy snack.
Conclusion
As you finish making these oatmeal raisin cookie bars, you’ll see it’s more than just baking. It’s a way to share delicious moments with those you love. These bars are a warm treat that you can make your own with your favorite ingredients.
Enjoying these bars can be a special part of your day. They’re perfect for a snack or dessert. Baking at home brings comfort and connection, making every moment special.
So, why not start making these cookie bars today? Get creative and share your creations with others. You’ll find joy in making your own treats and joining the baking community.
FAQ
What makes homemade oatmeal raisin cookie bars special?
Homemade oatmeal raisin cookie bars are chewy and sweet. You can choose the ingredients and make them your own. The mix of oats and raisins makes a comforting treat for any time.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in the recipe?
Rolled oats are best for texture, but quick oats work too. Just remember, the bars might be softer.
What are some great add-ins I can use?
Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These extras add flavor and texture to your bars.
How do I ensure my cookie bars don’t turn out dry?
To keep them moist, measure ingredients right and don’t overbake. Let them cool in the pan. This keeps them chewy.
Can these cookie bars be frozen?
Yes! They freeze well. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a container. Thaw at room temperature or microwave to warm.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavors, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars take the classic oatmeal raisin cookie and turn it into a thick, frosted dessert bar. Perfectly spiced, rich with butter, and topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
For the Buttery Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in the oats and raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
While the bars cool, beat together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
Once completely cooled, spread the frosting over the bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use Room Temperature Butter – This ensures a light, fluffy texture in the batter.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep bars soft.
✔ Soak Raisins for Extra Softness – Let them soak in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to prevent dryness.
✔ Let Bars Cool Before Frosting – This prevents the frosting from melting into the bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: oatmeal raisin bars, chewy oatmeal bars, oatmeal cookies, easy dessert bars, cinnamon oatmeal bars, frosted cookie bars, oatmeal raisin treats