These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are chewy, soft, and loaded with plump raisins in every bite. Imagine all the comfort of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie but in an easy-to-slice bar form, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a quick snack. The golden edges give way to a tender, moist center that practically melts in your mouth.
The warm spices and rich brown sugar sweetness give these bars a cozy, nostalgic feel—like something straight from grandma’s kitchen. Plus, they’re topped with a light drizzle of icing and extra raisins for a delightful burst of texture and flavor.
What Kind of Oats Work Best for Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Rolled oats are the top choice for these cookie bars because they hold their shape and give that signature chewy texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they’ll make the bars softer and less hearty. Avoid instant oats, as they tend to get mushy during baking.
Ingredients for the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – These give the bars their chewy texture and nutty flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to keep the bars from falling apart.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
Granulated Sugar – Balances the molasses notes of brown sugar for a perfect sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm spices that enhance the cozy, classic oatmeal cookie flavor.
Baking Soda – Helps the bars rise slightly and stay tender.
Salt – A pinch enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter – Brings richness and moisture.
Large Eggs – Bind everything together while adding extra moisture.
Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Raisins – The star ingredient, adding bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Powdered Sugar & Milk (for Icing) – Creates a simple drizzle to finish the bars beautifully.

How To Make the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and light. This step gives the bars their soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Add Raisins
Fold in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Spread the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle with Icing
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over the cooled bars. Add extra raisins on top for a beautiful finish.
Serving and Storing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Once the icing sets, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve them as a snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or cold milk.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars (without icing) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw and drizzle with fresh icing before serving.
What to Serve With Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?
Coffee or Latte
The warm spices in the bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a frothy latte.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Top a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Hot Apple Cider
The cinnamon and nutmeg notes shine when enjoyed alongside a mug of spiced apple cider.
Creamy Greek Yogurt
For a lighter option, pair a bar with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful fruit salad balances the sweetness with a refreshing bite.
Chai Tea
The spiced tea complements the cozy flavors of the cookie bars.
Whipped Cream & Berries
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a fancy touch.
Caramel Drizzle
Add extra indulgence by drizzling caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
Want More Cookie Bar Ideas?
If you can’t get enough of these chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, you’ll love these other treats from TasteBursts:
• Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for a nutty, chocolatey twist.
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies if you want a healthier grab-and-go option.
• Blueberry Heaven Cookies for a fruity spin on classic cookie bars.
• Knock You Naked Bars when you’re craving gooey chocolate decadence.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies for a creamy, indulgent bite.
Save This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Hit that Save button because these bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a school bake sale, or just a cozy weekend treat.
Tried these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars? I’d love to know how they turned out! Did you keep them classic, or add fun twists like chocolate chips or chopped nuts? Share your version in the comments below.
📌 Pin this recipe to your “Desserts & Bars” board on Pinterest—future you will thank you when that cookie craving strikes!
Want even more sweet inspiration? Follow TasteBursts Recipes on Pinterest for daily dessert ideas and crowd-pleasing favorites.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
- Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in raisins evenly.
- Spread batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely, then drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Add extra raisins if desired.