They have just the right amount of sweetness to tide over any sweet tooth and beckon you to sit down and have a second bite alongside a glass of cold milk!
Capture all the nostalgic, spiced warmth of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie in these thick, chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Instead of scooping out individual cookies, this clever recipe bakes the oatmeal dough into a single pan, ensuring every single piece has an ultra-soft, tender center. What truly takes these bars to the next level is the luxurious, cinnamon-spiced maple buttercream frosting spread over the top. It is a sweet, rustic treat that pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Ingredients For The Cookie Bar:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 3/4 tsp |
| Fine salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Unsalted butter (room temperature) | 3/4 cup |
| Packed light brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Large eggs (room temperature) | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Quick cook oats | 2 cups |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
Ingredients For The Frosting:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Unsalted butter (room temperature) | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Maple syrup | 1 tbsp |
| Heavy cream (room temperature) | 1 to 2 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Maple extract (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
Step-by-Step Directions:
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Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper (leaving an overhang for easy removal), and set it aside.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the 3/4 cup of room-temperature butter and brown sugar together for 2/3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl so everything is evenly combined.
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Mix Dough, Oats, and Raisins: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until no streaks of flour remain. Fold in the quick cook oats and raisins using a rubber spatula. The dough will be quite thick and sticky.
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Bake the Bars: Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, topping with a few extra raisins if desired. Bake for 18/20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the bars cool in the pan for 5/10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Frosting: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the 1/2 cup of room-temperature butter until smooth and lump-free. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Once combined, add the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract (if using), and beat until light and fluffy.
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Frost and Serve: Spread the spiced frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!
