Soft and chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars topped with a creamy cinnamon-maple frosting make for an irresistible dessert. These bars are easy to prepare and pack a comforting blend of flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy these cookie bars because they’re the perfect blend of soft and chewy with a touch of sweetness from raisins and a rich frosting. They’re easy to make, great for sharing, and the hint of cinnamon and maple adds a warm, cozy touch. Whether it’s for a casual snack or a holiday dessert table, these bars are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
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
Make the Cookie Bars:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper, and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Fold in oats and raisins with a spatula.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack using the parchment paper to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 small bars
Calories per serving: 280 kcal
Variations
Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
Swap raisins: Use dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or chocolate chips for a twist.
Spices: Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
No frosting: Skip the frosting and enjoy these bars plain for a less sweet treat.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. The frosting will stay creamy without reheating.
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FAQs
How can I make these bars dairy-free?
Replace the butter with a dairy-free substitute and use a non-dairy milk for the frosting.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit chewier. For a finer consistency, pulse old-fashioned oats briefly in a food processor.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, store the prepared frosting in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature and stir before spreading on the bars.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can work as substitutes in the frosting, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 22–25 minutes, checking for doneness.
Conclusion
These oatmeal raisin cookie bars with cinnamon-maple frosting are a delightful treat for any occasion. They’re soft, chewy, and full of cozy flavors that I always look forward to. With easy variations and simple storage options, these bars are as convenient as they are delicious. Give them a try and enjoy a little homemade comfort in every bite.
📖 Recipe:
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 small bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars topped with creamy cinnamon-maple frosting are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Packed with cozy flavors, these easy-to-make bars are a hit for holiday gatherings or casual snacking.
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
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
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)
Instructions
Make the Cookie Bars:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, line with parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Fold in oats and raisins.
- Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan. Optionally, sprinkle extra raisins on top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until edges turn golden. Cool in pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- Beat butter until smooth in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Mix until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
For added texture, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for variety.
To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
The bars can be enjoyed plain by skipping the frosting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 small bars
- Calories: 280 kcal
