Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

There’s just something magical about Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars—each bite is packed with comforting flavors of cinnamon, sweet raisins, toasty oats, and just the right touch of buttery richness. This easy tray bake recipe transforms classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies into thick, chewy bars you can slice and share, making them the ideal treat for any family gathering, bake sale, or lunchbox surprise. If you’ve been craving a classic dessert with all the cozy nostalgia but none of the fuss, you’re going to love every step of making (and eating!) these irresistible bars.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars lies in the simplicity of their ingredients—each one plays an essential role in creating the chewy, flavorful bite that everyone loves. Gather these pantry staples and get ready to whip up something truly delightful!

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and moisture, ensuring your bars are perfectly tender.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps the cookie bars set nicely.
• Large eggs (2): Bring everything together and add structure for sliceable bars.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, bringing a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the bars a sturdy base, holding the oats and raisins together.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a light bite.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens up the taste.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with that signature cozy spice.
• Old-fashioned oats (3 cups): The heart of the recipe—oats add chewiness and rustic charm.
• Raisins (1 cup): Plump and sweet, they’re the star of each bite.
• Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): These add a lovely crunch and a hint of nuttiness—totally worth it if you’re a fan.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s nice and hot when your bars are ready to bake. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by either greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper—this makes it easier to lift out and slice the bars later. There’s nothing worse than cookie bars sticking to the pan, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, so take a couple of minutes for this part.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. This ensures each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible, warm aroma. By now, your bowl will smell like pure cookie perfection.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly throughout the bars, so you won’t get any surprise clumps of cinnamon!

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—be gentle here so your bars stay nice and tender. The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want.

Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts

Now for the best part: fold in your old-fashioned oats and raisins, plus the chopped walnuts if you’re using them. The oats give your bars that classic chewy texture, while the raisins add pockets of sweetness in every bite. Walnuts? They’re optional but oh-so-delicious if you enjoy a bit of crunch.

Step 7: Spread and Bake

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly—a spatula works wonders here. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 8: Cool Completely and Slice

Once baked, resist the urge to cut into them right away! Let your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This gives them time to set up and makes cutting clean, neat bars a breeze.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a simple, classic finish, dust the cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a bit of extra sweetness and shine. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a handful of extra chopped walnuts on top adds eye-catching appeal and a boost of flavor.

Side Dishes

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk (a timeless combo!), a warm mug of chai or coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries can round out the snack plate for a balance of tastes and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, slice the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a colorful platter. Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie them with twine for sweet lunchbox additions or edible gifts. Stack them in a clear jar with a bow for a charming homemade present that showcases their cozy, golden color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars fresh and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to separate layers with wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking, especially if you went with the gooier, softer bars.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time (or save some for a rainy day), these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. If you’re reheating several bars, a quick stint in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes will revive their chewy texture and make your kitchen smell amazing all over again.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the texture of the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars will be slightly softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats are best for that classic bite, but feel free to substitute if needed.

What can I use instead of raisins?

If raisins aren’t your favorite (or you want to mix things up), try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dark chocolate chips. Each adds a unique twist while keeping the bars moist and flavorful.

Are the walnuts necessary?

Nope! Walnuts are completely optional. They add crunch and a homemade feel, but the bars are just as delicious without them—perfect if you need a nut-free option.

How can I make the bars softer or chewier?

For softer bars, slightly underbake the tray (closer to the 25-minute mark) and let them cool in the pan. Watch carefully at the end—it makes all the difference for the ultimate chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily double the recipe and bake in two separate pans, or use a large half-sheet pan for a big crowd. Keep a close eye on baking time since pan thickness can affect how quickly the bars set.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that wraps together nostalgia, comfort, and irresistible flavor, look no further than these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. I hope you’ll give them a try, share them with the people you love, and make them a staple in your own kitchen celebrations!

Print