Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic cookies but crave something a little easier to slice and share, the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe brings together the chewy texture of oatmeal and the sweet bursts from raisins, all topped with a luscious maple cinnamon frosting that adds a perfect cozy sweetness. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making these bars an irresistible treat whether you’re serving them for a casual family snack or a festive gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your cookie bars. From the hearty oats to the fragrant cinnamon, each component plays an essential role in bringing this recipe to life.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft, tender crumb.
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, inviting spice.
• ½ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Creates richness and chewiness in the cookie base.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds everything together smoothly.
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the overall taste with a lovely aromatic note.
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats: Gives that signature hearty texture you love in oatmeal cookies.
• 1 cup raisins: Infuses natural sweetness and little bursts of juiciness throughout.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting): The creamy foundation of the maple cinnamon frosting.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect consistency.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Imparts that rich, autumnal maple flavor uniquely.
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature: Adjusts frosting texture for smooth spreading.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a complementary spice touch in the frosting.
• ¼ teaspoon maple extract (optional): Amplifies the maple notes for those who adore its distinctive taste.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. Lining it with parchment makes for easy cleanup and helps you lift out the bars once baked. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix builds the foundation for the chewy cookie bars you’re about to make.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the butter and light brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookie bars a tender crumb and perfect texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully blend them into the batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that nostalgic aroma and taste we all adore in classic cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Oats and Raisins

Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft. Next, fold in the oats and raisins, distributing them evenly so that each bite is packed with hearty texture and juicy sweetness.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars

Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional raisins on top before baking. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set. Let the bars cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely — this prevents the frosting from melting later on.

Step 6: Make the Maple Cinnamon Frosting

Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated. Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract if you’re using it. Mix until the frosting is silky and spreads easily. This luscious topping is the star that elevates the bars beyond your average oatmeal cookie.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookie bars. Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing into 12 squares. Now, each piece is ready to delight with its perfect combination of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and that irresistible maple cinnamon finish.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

These bars are scrumptious on their own, but you can add a little extra flair with a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top. Fresh orange zest grated over the frosting also creates a beautiful aromatic twist that brightens the maple and cinnamon flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch or dessert, they go wonderfully alongside creamy vanilla yogurt or a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit, balancing sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, place the cookie bars on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra raisins, nuts, and maple syrup. You could also serve them warm, alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream drizzled with extra maple syrup — an indulgent twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover oatmeal raisin cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. If it’s warm in your kitchen, storing them in the refrigerator will help maintain the frosting’s texture without drying out the bars.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars either before or after frosting. To freeze unfrosted bars, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature before frosting. For frosted bars, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap well and thaw gently in the refrigerator to preserve the frosting’s creamy perfection.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the bars warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms the frosting slightly and brings out the cozy aromas of maple and cinnamon, making every bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute the raisins for another dried fruit?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dried apricots work wonderfully. Each will bring a unique sweetness and a slightly different texture to your cookie bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for baking, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This swap usually works great without changing the flavor or texture too much.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free or vegan?

Sure thing! Swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative, powdered sugar should be checked for vegan certification, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based milk to get a similar consistency and flavor.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a center that appears set but still slightly soft to the touch. Overbaking can dry them out, so it’s better to check a minute or two early when you’re baking for the first time.

Can these bars be frozen with the frosting on them?

Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet until the frosting hardens, then wrap tightly and store in the freezer. Thaw them slowly in the refrigerator before serving to prevent condensation and keep that frosting smooth.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe enough if you’re looking for an easy-to-make treat that feels cozy, nostalgic, and just a little bit special. These bars come together quickly and are perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring whenever you need that warm and comforting bite. Go ahead, bake a batch and see how fast they disappear!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

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4 from 38 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Delicious and chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars topped with a sweet maple cinnamon frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and loaded with raisins, these bars bring the classic cookie flavor in a convenient bar form, making them ideal for snacking or dessert.

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Ingredients

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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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, setting it aside for later use.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and fine salt until well combined to ensure even flavor distribution in your bars.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar together using a mixer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing and toughening the bars.
6. Incorporate Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the quick-cooking oats and raisins to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Spread Dough and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Optionally, sprinkle extra raisins on top for a decorative and tasty touch. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
8. Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is important for the frosting step.
9. Make Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter until smooth in a mixing bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated for a creamy texture.
10. Add Flavor to Frosting: Stir in maple syrup, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and the optional maple extract. Mix everything until smooth and well blended.
11. Frost Bars: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
12. Serve: Slice the frosted bars into squares and serve as a delicious treat or dessert.

Notes

• Make sure all ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Quick-cooking oats provide a softer texture, but rolled oats can be used for a chewier bar.
• Maple extract in the frosting is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American