Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you adore comforting, chewy treats with just the right touch of sweetness and spice, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe. These bars bring together the hearty texture of oats and plump raisins, all wrapped up in a soft cookie base. The magic truly shines through the luscious maple cinnamon frosting, which adds a silky, flavorful top layer that makes every bite a cozy celebration. Perfectly portioned and easy to slice, these bars are a fantastic way to enjoy classic flavors with an irresistible twist that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful bars, you’ll rely on a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the warm spices to the rich butter and sweet raisins, every element contributes to the perfect balance of texture and flavor you’ll love.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and body to our cookie bars.
• Baking soda: Helps achieve the perfect rise and lightness within the bars.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, inviting spice essential for the flavor profile.
• Fine salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness brilliantly.
• Unsalted butter: Offers rich, creamy moisture that makes the bars tender and delicious (used in both the dough and frosting!)
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients together while boosting softness and chewiness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a subtle caramel note, deepening the overall flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, elevating the sweetness naturally.
• Quick-cooking oats: Deliver that classic oatmeal chew and hearty texture.
• Raisins: Surprise little bursts of juicy sweetness that pair perfectly with cinnamon.
• Powdered sugar: The base of our smooth, creamy frosting that melts beautifully.
• Maple syrup: Adds a rich, natural sweetness and distinct flavor to the frosting.
• Heavy cream: Provides creaminess and helps the frosting spread perfectly.
• Maple extract (optional): A flavor booster in the frosting for a maple-forward finish.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookie bars won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking, making it easier to get those perfect squares.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and fine salt. This dry mix will distribute the spices evenly through the dough and create the right texture for your bars.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential to ensure the cookie bars have a tender crumb and a lovely buttery flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a warm aroma and deepens every flavor layer.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients, Oats, and Raisins

Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Fold in the quick-cooking oats and juicy raisins gently with a spatula, ensuring each bite will have that iconic chewy texture and bursts of sweetness.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookie Bars

Spread the dough evenly across your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you love a bit of extra raisin love, sprinkle a few more on top. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. Once baked, let the pan cool for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Maple Cinnamon Frosting

Beat the unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, blending well after each addition to keep the frosting fluffy. Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and if you like, a touch of maple extract for an extra maple punch. Mix until perfectly smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost and Slice

Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the maple cinnamon frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready to enjoy a slice of sweetness with all the warmth of home-baked comfort.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To add a little extra wow factor when serving, consider sprinkling some toasted oats or extra cinnamon on top of the frosting. A few whole raisins or a drizzle of pure maple syrup can also make the bars look as delightful as they taste, adding a charming finish that invites compliments.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert experience that’s hard to resist. If serving at breakfast or brunch, a hot latte or chai tea highlights the cinnamon and maple notes beautifully, making every bite feel like a warm hug.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try layering the bars in a pretty dessert tray lined with parchment. You can also cut them into mini bite-sized portions for easy sharing at parties or package them in a rustic gift box tied with twine for thoughtful homemade presents. Playing with presentation makes these simple bars feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moisture and tenderness. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is fine, just allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy maximum flavor and softness.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars either before or after frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They keep beautifully frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

If you enjoy your bars slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This melts the frosting just a bit and brings out buttery, cozy flavors that remind you of freshly baked cookies straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates work wonderfully and add their own unique sweetness and texture, making the bars customizable to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the bars safe for gluten sensitivities.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

You can, but the texture will be a bit heartier and chewier. Quick-cooking oats blend more smoothly into the dough, giving a tender bite, so it depends on your personal texture preference.

What if I don’t have maple extract for the frosting?

No worries at all! The frosting will still be delicious with just the maple syrup and cinnamon. Maple extract just amps up the flavor and can be omitted without sacrificing taste.

How long do these cookie bars keep their freshness?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the bars stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days. After that, they’re still edible but may start to dry out, so quick enjoyment is best!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the cozy flavors and tender texture of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe. Whether you bake them for a casual snack, a festive treat, or a thoughtful homemade gift, they never fail to bring smiles and warm feelings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the sweetness with your loved ones—it’s one of those timeless delights that feels like a hug in dessert form!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

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4 from 84 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars topped with a smooth maple cinnamon frosting. This easy-to-make treat combines classic oatmeal raisin flavors with a luscious, sweet frosting, perfect for snack time or dessert. Baking in a single pan makes preparation and cleanup simple, offering a delightful homemade baked good everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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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

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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and fine salt until uniformly combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This aerates the dough for a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
6. Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the quick-cooking oats and raisins to distribute them evenly through the batter.
7. Spread Dough in Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated and smooth.
10. Add Flavorings to Frosting: Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and the optional maple extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency with additional cream if needed.
11. Frost the Cooled Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled oatmeal raisin cookie bars using a spatula or knife.
12. Slice and Serve: Slice the frosted cookie bars into 12 equal squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Ensure the cookie bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• For chewier bars, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
• Optional: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for variation.
• Maple extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor to the frosting.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American