Introduction: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie. These soft, chewy bars combine hearty oats, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon, all topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re craving a snack or dessert, these oatmeal bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy evening at home.

With the same beloved flavors of the classic cookie but in bar form, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of oats and raisins provides a nice chewy texture, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that takes the bars to the next level. Best of all, they’re simple to make and don’t require any chilling, so you can bake them up in no time!

Let’s dive into the steps to make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars—they’re bound to become a new favorite!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars:

For the Bars:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for structure and texture)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (for leavening)
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth and flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for moisture and richness)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
  • 1 large egg (for binding the dough)
  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (for texture and chewiness)
  • 1 cup raisins (for natural sweetness and added texture)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for a tangy, smooth frosting)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for sweetness)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance the flavor)
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk (to thin out the frosting to your desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together to ensure that the dry ingredients are well-mixed and the baking soda and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

  1. Beat the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly will help give the bars a soft and chewy texture.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until combined. The mixture should be smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture (flour, baking soda, and cinnamon) to the wet mixture in two or three batches. Mix on low speed or stir by hand to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as that can make the bars tough.

Step 4: Add the Oats and Raisins

  1. Fold in the oats: Once the dough is combined, add the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins. Stir everything together gently until the oats and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  2. Spread the dough into the pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly across the pan, making sure it’s smooth on top and fills the corners of the pan.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

  1. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on top. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  2. Cool the bars: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help them set and become easier to cut.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat the cream cheese: While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing well after each addition. The frosting should be smooth and fluffy.
  3. Thin with milk: Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to the frosting, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it spreadable but not too runny.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

  1. Frost the cooled bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the bars using a spatula. The frosting will give the bars a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, cinnamon-sugar flavor of the bars.
  2. Decorate: If desired, you can garnish the top with a few extra raisins for decoration, or even sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

  1. Cut into bars: Once the frosting is set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles for easy serving. Depending on your preference, you can cut them into large or smaller pieces.
  2. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars as an after-dinner treat, snack, or dessert at your next gathering. Enjoy the soft, chewy texture and the sweet and creamy flavors!

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, assuming the recipe makes about 12 servings (1 bar per serving):

  • Calories: ~250-300 kcal per serving
  • Protein: ~3g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35g
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~20g
  • Sodium: ~150mg

The nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices, such as butter or sugar substitutes.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars turn out perfectly:

  1. Use Old-Fashioned Oats: For the best texture, make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. Rolled oats give the bars the perfect chewiness.
  2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
  3. Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to customize your bars.
  4. Allow the Bars to Cool: Let the bars cool completely before frosting. This helps the frosting set properly and prevents it from melting into the warm bars.

Variations

Here are a few fun variations you can try for your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars:

  • Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy cream cheese to make these bars vegan-friendly. Substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar substitutes like Stevia or Erythritol in place of the granulated sugar for a sugar-free option.
  • Chocolate Chip Version: Replace the raisins with chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist on the classic oatmeal cookie.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Leftover Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place the bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
  • Reheating: If you like your bars warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few great ways to serve them:

  • With ice cream: Top the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  • With a hot beverage: Pair the bars with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
  • As a snack: These bars are perfect as a mid-afternoon snack or to bring to a picnic or potluck.

Final Thoughts

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and rich cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make, customizable, and an absolute treat for anyone who loves oatmeal cookies. Whether you’re making them for a family get-together, a snack, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars will never disappoint.

Enjoy making these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, and be sure to share them with loved ones—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!