Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Every time I whip up a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. The rich, warm aroma of baking cookies wrapped around me like a soft blanket, making everything feel just a little bit better. Even now, living in a quaint rural area in the USA, those memories flood back with every bite. You know, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about these bars—the combination of chewy oats and sweet raisins brings back the simplest yet happiest moments spent with family. With each bar, I can almost hear my grandmother’s laughter, see her flour-dusted apron, and feel the warmth of her love filling her home. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, and I know once you try it, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort that comes with every bite!

Now, let me walk you through making these delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. They are not just easy to prepare; they’re absolutely satisfying and perfect for sharing with friends or family. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our bars, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the bars rise just enough to keep them light and airy.
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Ah, the wonderful warmth of cinnamon! It gives these bars their signature flavor.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fine salt: A little salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
• 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: This adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 3⁄4 cup packed light brown sugar: It’s sweeter and gives a lovely caramel flavor that white sugar can’t match.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla is like magic in baking; it elevates every flavor!
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats: The stars of our cookie bars, lending that delightful chewiness.
• 1 cup raisins: Sweet, plump raisins add a burst of flavor in every bite.
• For the frosting:
  • 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Just like before, this will make our frosting creamy and rich.
  • 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar: This gives our frosting its sweetness and smooth texture.
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup: A touch of maple adds depth to the frosting.
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature: This helps create a lovely, spreadable consistency.
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting): Because who doesn’t love a hint of cinnamon?
  • 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional): If you love maple flavor, this is a great addition!

How to make the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is quite simple! I’ll break it down step-by-step for you, making it easy to follow.

1. Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for baking! A properly preheated oven ensures that your bars cook evenly.

2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with some baking spray or butter. Then, line it with parchment paper. This makes it so much easier to lift the bars out once they’re cooled.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the baking soda and spices throughout the flour.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and light brown sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, around 2-3 minutes. Scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as you go is important; this ensures everything gets mixed well.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Once your butter and sugar are nice and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla makes everything taste so much better!

6. Combine the Wet and Dry Mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix—this is the secret to tender bars!

7. Fold in the Oats and Raisins: Now it’s time to fold in the oats and raisins using a rubber spatula. Don’t rush this; gently incorporating them ensures even distribution. You’ll find it’s a thick and sticky dough at this stage—just how we like it!

8. Press Into the Pan: Using your spatula, press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for good measure!

9. Bake Away: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown. The smell alone will have you dancing in the kitchen!

10. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes. After that, carefully lift them out with the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!

11. Prepare the Frosting: Now, while the bars cool, let’s whip up a simple frosting. Beat the room temperature butter until it’s smooth and lump-free. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until it’s all combined. Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and that optional maple extract if you’re using it. Mix until you have a beautiful, creamy frosting.

12. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You don’t have to be too neat—rustic is just fine!

13. Slice and Serve: Finally, cut the bars into squares, serve them to your family or guests, and enjoy! I promise they’ll be begging for seconds!

Why I love making these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars? Oh, where do I begin? They’re such a comforting treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face. These bars represent so much more than just a dessert to me; they symbolize family gatherings, laughter-filled afternoons, and simple joy. When my grandchildren come over, these are always the first requests on their lips. They love helping me in the kitchen, and it’s in those moments that I feel like I’m passing on a cherished tradition. You see, baking has always been a way for me to connect with my family, and these bars are a beautiful bridge to those important memories.

As for tools, you won’t need anything fancy. Just your basic mixing bowls, measuring cups, a good mixing spoon, and a baking pan will do the trick. I also like to keep my rubber spatulas handy—they make folding in the oats and raisins so much easier.

Now, let me share a couple of tips for perfect results. First, be sure to use room temperature ingredients. This makes mixing easier and gives you a better texture. Second, don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting the bars cool completely before frosting is essential for that perfect slice! Trust me, if you frost them too soon, the frosting will melt right off!

When it comes to serving suggestions, I love pairing these oatmeal raisin bars with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They also make a great afternoon snack, especially during the chilly months when you just want something comforting. If you’re feeling adventurous, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for an enticing dessert.

What about leftovers, you ask? Well, if you’re lucky enough to have any—these bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days. If you want them to last longer (and trust me, they can disappear quickly!), you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to set them out for a few minutes before serving; they taste best when they’re a bit softened.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. Just note that the texture might be a bit denser, but if you enjoy that, go for it!

What if I don’t have raisins? No worries! You can easily substitute chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries—whatever tickles your fancy!

Can I freeze these cookie bars? Sure thing! Cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

This recipe has become a staple in my household, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I know you’ll love the chewy texture, the sweetness of the raisins, and that comforting cinnamon flavor just as much as my family does! Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and I can’t wait for you to share the joy these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars bring. So grab your ingredients and let’s get baking! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. If your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time, you know you’ve nailed it!