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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Soft, chewy oatmeal raisin bars flavored with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, then finished with a fluffy maple-cinnamon frosting. They offer all the comfort of a classic oatmeal cookie in an easy-to-slice bar.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Baked Goods, Cookie Bars, Dessert, Fall Baking, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon for the bars
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened, for the bars
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup raisins plus extra for topping if desired
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, for the frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 to 2 tbsp heavy cream room temperature, as needed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for the frosting
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, and lightly coat it with baking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
  • Fold in the quick-cooking oats and raisins with a spatula.
  • Press the thick dough evenly into the prepared pan. Scatter extra raisins over the top if desired.
  • Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
  • Cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then lift the bars out with the parchment and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until combined.
  • Add the maple syrup, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract. Beat until fluffy, adding the remaining cream if needed.
  • Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars.
  • Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Notes

Slightly underbaking the center keeps the bars soft and chewy. Wait until they are fully cool before frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal
Keyword chewy oatmeal, cinnamon dessert, cookie bars, maple frosting, oatmeal raisin bars
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