Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade goodness with these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Featuring a harmonious blend of quick-cooking oats, plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are a comforting twist on the classic cookie we all know and love. What sets these treats apart is the luscious maple-cinnamon frosting that crowns each bar, adding a touch of sweetness and sophistication to every bite. Perfect for any occasion, from bake sales to cozy coffee breaks, these bars are sure to become a fast favorite.

As the scent of cinnamon and oats fills your kitchen, you’ll be transported back to fond memories of baking and warmth. These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars encapsulate the essence of homemade comfort, wrapped in a chewy, spiced embrace. The secret behind their irresistible texture lies in the careful creaming of butter and sugar, paired with the use of fresh, plump raisins. Whether enjoyed with a loved one or shared at a gathering, these bars are a testament to the simple joys that baking can bring. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars that are bound to spark delight in every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Stay chewy for days without drying out like traditional cookies
• Indulgent maple-cinnamon frosting elevates the bars beyond simple cookie bars
• Quick and easy to make compared to individual cookies
• Perfect for sharing at bake sales, family gatherings, or with a cup of coffee

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe Recipe

• Nostalgic yet Exciting: A perfect blend of quick-cooking oats, plump raisins, and warm cinnamon in these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars creates a comforting base that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new.
• Indulgent Maple-Cinnamon Frosting: The creamy maple-cinnamon frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence that elevates these bars beyond the traditional cookie, making them a decadent treat.
• Long-Lasting Chewiness: Unlike traditional cookies that can dry out quickly, these bars stay perfectly chewy for days, ensuring you’ll enjoy their delightful texture longer.
• Easy and Quick: These bars are easier and faster to make than individual cookies – just spread the dough and bake, making them perfect for a time-saving yet satisfying baking session.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for bake sales, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, these bars are meant to be shared and bring joy to those around you.
• Tips for Success: The recipe provides helpful tips like using room temperature ingredients, proper butter creaming, and selecting quality raisins to ensure consistently delicious results every time.
• Enhanced Flavors: Techniques like toasting oats for a nutty flavor and using real maple syrup in the frosting enhance the overall taste experience, making these bars a delightful treat for your senses.
• Memorable Baking Moments: Whether shared at gatherings or as a surprise treat, these bars are more than just a dessert – they create moments of joy and connection, leaving a lasting impression on those who enjoy them.

Ingredients for Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Cookie Bar Base

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats

Maple-Cinnamon Frosting

• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional for extra maple flavor)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pro Tips for Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To ensure the perfect chewy texture, make sure to cream the butter and sugar well. This step is crucial for creating a soft and moist base for your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

Pro Tip 2: For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the oats before adding them to the dough. This simple step enhances the nutty taste of the oats and elevates the overall taste of your bars.

Pro Tip 3: When cutting the bars, use a plastic knife to prevent the frosting from sticking. This little trick ensures clean and neat cuts, making your bars look as good as they taste.

How to Make Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 3: Step 03

Cream room temperature butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Step 4: Step 04

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in oats and raisins.

Step 5: Step 05

Evenly spread the dough in the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are golden. Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Step 06

Once the bars are cooling, beat butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract (optional). Beat until a creamy, spreadable frosting forms.

Step 7: Step 07

After the bars have cooled completely, spread the maple-cinnamon frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked and cooled the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor. To store the bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can also store them in the refrigerator, but make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.

If you have frosted the bars with the maple-cinnamon frosting, it’s best to store them in a single layer to prevent the frosting from sticking to other bars. You can place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to keep them separate. Additionally, if you live in a warm climate or your kitchen is particularly warm, you may want to refrigerate the bars to prevent the frosting from melting.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. Wrap them individually or place them in a single layer in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes for a warm, comforting treat. By storing the bars properly, you can enjoy their delicious flavors and textures for several days or even weeks.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture. Additionally, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

If you prefer a different dried fruit or want to switch things up, you can swap the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped apricots, or even chopped dates. This change can add a new flavor profile to the bars while maintaining their chewy texture. Just ensure the fruit you choose is similar in size to raisins for even distribution in the bars.

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand for the frosting, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a different sweet flavor profile. Adjust the amount to taste and consider the consistency of the frosting, adding more powdered sugar if needed for the right texture. The maple extract can also be omitted if you prefer the frosting without the extra maple flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars into bite-sized pieces and skewering them with toothpicks for a charming dessert display at your next gathering. Guests can easily grab a mini bar with the luscious maple-cinnamon frosting on top, making them perfect for sharing and mingling. The combination of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and indulgent frosting will be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Another fun idea is to crumble these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert sundae. The warm-spiced flavors of the bars complement the creamy ice cream beautifully, creating a comforting and decadent treat. Drizzle some extra maple syrup over the top for an added touch of sweetness. This dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a creative way to enjoy the classic cookie in a new and exciting form.

FAQs for Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

Can I make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars without frosting?

Yes, you can enjoy these bars without the maple-cinnamon frosting. The bars themselves are deliciously chewy and spiced, making them a delightful treat even without the added frosting.

How should I store these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their chewy texture, you can also store them in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Can I freeze these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or gently warm them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Can I substitute the raisins in this recipe with another dried fruit?

Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped apricots, or chopped dates if you prefer. Make sure to adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences and ensure the fruit is chopped into small, even pieces for even distribution in the bars.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars as much as I do. The blend of oats, raisins, and cinnamon creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to frost them or savor them as they are, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to share them with your loved ones and spread the joy of homemade goodness. Happy baking, and here’s to making more sweet memories with Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars!