Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

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Soft, chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet raisins, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the definition of cozy comfort. Perfectly golden on the edges and tender in the middle, they bring all the heartwarming nostalgia of classic oatmeal raisin cookies—but with the ease of a one-pan bake.

The texture is where these bars truly shine. Thanks to hearty oats, rich brown sugar, and a hint of molasses flavor, each bite melts on your tongue with just the right amount of chew. These are a crowd-pleaser for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a cozy dessert with a warm drink.

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What Makes These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars So Special?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and unbeatable flavor. Unlike traditional cookies that require chilling and scooping, these bars come together quickly and bake all at once. No fuss, no batch rotation—just a perfectly uniform pan of golden-brown goodness.

And let’s not forget the glaze. A simple vanilla drizzle elevates the bars, adding a silky contrast to the chewy base. You can skip it, but once you try it with, you’ll never go back.

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Ingredients for the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
These oats give the bars their signature chewiness. Don’t substitute with quick oats—they won’t hold up as well.

All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure to the bars and balances the moisture from the butter and eggs.

Brown Sugar
Adds deep molasses notes and helps keep the bars soft and chewy.

Granulated Sugar
Adds just enough sweetness and helps with the texture.

Butter
Melted butter adds rich flavor and gives the bars their tender crumb.

Eggs
Bind the ingredients together and help the bars rise just enough.

Vanilla Extract
Enhances all the warm flavors with a smooth, sweet aroma.

Ground Cinnamon
Infuses every bite with cozy spice.

Baking Soda
Leavens the bars slightly for a soft, cake-like texture.

Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances the oats and spice.

Raisins
Sweet, chewy, and full of natural sugar—they’re the classic touch that brings it all together.

Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
A simple powdered sugar glaze brings a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness.

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How To Make the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the raisins.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Glaze and Cool

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired, then slice into squares and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store These Cookie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are best served at room temperature, allowing their chewy texture and sweet raisin bursts to shine. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea for a satisfying treat. They also make great lunchbox additions or easy potluck desserts.

To store, place the bars in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 4 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag—just thaw before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my bars chewy and not dry?

Make sure not to overbake. Pull them from the oven when the edges are golden and the center is just set. Cooling in the pan finishes the cooking process without drying them out.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s not recommended. Quick oats break down more in baking, leading to a mushier texture. Rolled oats provide the best chew.

What else can I mix into the bars?

Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips make great additions if you’re looking to mix things up.

Do I have to use the glaze?

Nope! The bars are perfectly sweet on their own, but the glaze adds a lovely visual and flavor boost.

Can I halve this recipe?

Absolutely. Just use an 8×8-inch baking dish and reduce the baking time slightly—check around the 18-minute mark.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, you’ll definitely want to try some of these cozy, comforting dessert favorites:

• Apple Enchiladas: A Sweet and Comforting Treat for a warm twist on apple pie.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake if you want a rich, nutty crowd-pleaser.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for a quick, chocolaty indulgence.
• Coconut Snowballs: A Delightful Holiday Treat to satisfy your no-bake cravings.
• Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake when you’re in the mood for tropical sweetness.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make them with nuts or try another dried fruit? Did you go for the glaze or keep it simple?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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