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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 230 kcal

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.

Notes

For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. You can also substitute dried cranberries for raisins for a tart twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 310IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword cookie bars, oatmeal desserts, oatmeal raisin cookie bars
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