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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the quick-cooking oats and raisins to distribute them evenly through the batter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Frost the Cooled Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled oatmeal raisin cookie bars using a spatula or knife.
- 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
