Go Back

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars that evoke nostalgia and warmth, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup raisins Use California raisins for the sweetest results
  • 1 cup warm water To soak the raisins for extra plumpness
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use high-quality butter like Grassland or Kerrygold
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed Essential for creating a chewy texture
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs For binding the ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats Not quick oats for better texture
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Preferably King Arthur for best results
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds warm, fragrant notes
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavors
For the Frosting
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature For creamy frosting experience
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Use high-quality butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Extra for the frosting
  • 2 cups confectioners sugar To sweeten the frosting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the raisins: In a medium bowl, combine raisins and warm water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. Once plump, drain and pat dry. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it's heating, line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mixing
  1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a stand mixer, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Mix in eggs and vanilla: Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until smooth.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
  4. Integrate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture while running the stand mixer on low speed until just combined.
  5. Fold in raisins: Gently fold in the soaked raisins with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
Baking
  1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
  2. Cool before frosting: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Frosting
  1. Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, blend together 4 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese, 1/4 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add in 2 cups of confectioners sugar until fluffy.
  2. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, slice them up, and enjoy!

Notes

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months. Store them tightly wrapped.