Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Bars:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, for the structure of the bars

1 teaspoon baking soda, to help the bars rise slightly

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for warm spice flavor

1/2 teaspoon fine salt, to balance the sweetness

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, for sweetness and a soft chewy texture

2 large eggs, at room temperature, to help bind the dough

2 teaspoons vanilla extract, for warm bakery-style flavor

2 cups quick-cooking oats, for soft texture and classic oatmeal flavor

1 cup raisins, for chewy sweetness

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, for a smooth and sweet frosting base

1 tablespoon maple syrup, for cozy maple flavor

1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature, to adjust the frosting texture

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for warm spice

1/4 teaspoon maple extract, optional, for a stronger maple taste

Instructions:

Make the Cookie Bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.

Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix so everything blends evenly.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture.

Mix until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry streaks remain.

Use a rubber spatula to make sure the dough is evenly combined.

Fold in the quick oats and raisins. The dough will be thick and sticky.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Add a few extra raisins on top if desired.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden.

Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes.

Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and free of lumps.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully combined.

Add the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract if using.

Beat until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and spreadable.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.

Cut into squares.

Serve and enjoy these soft oatmeal raisin cookie bars.