If you’ve ever wished your favorite chewy oatmeal raisin cookies could magically transform into a soft, snackable bar, you’re in for a treat with these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars! Imagine buttery, cinnamon-kissed dough studded with juicy raisins and hearty oats, all pressed into a pan and baked into golden squares you can slice, share, and enjoy for days. These bars are my go-to for bake sales, lunchboxes, or just a sweet bite with my afternoon coffee—everyone always asks for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is how each ingredient brings something special: the butter gives richness, brown sugar delivers chew, and spices tie it all together. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each element is so essential for flavor and texture.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Delivers that classic, buttery base and keeps each bar moist and rich.
Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep, caramel flavor and makes the bars extra chewy.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lightens up the sweetness and helps the bars get that perfect balance.
Large eggs (2): Give the dough structure and ensure the bars stay tender, not crumbly.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the cozy flavors you love in classic cookie bars.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the necessary structure for thick, cuttable bars.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise ever so slightly and avoids a dense texture.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and that irresistible oatmeal cookie aroma.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out every flavor note.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Lend classic oatmeal chew and hearty bite to each bar.
Raisins (1 cup): Bring sweetness and pops of juicy texture in every bite. Feel free to swap half for toasted walnuts or pecans if you like!

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and take a moment to grease your 9×13-inch baking pan. You want a thin, even layer of butter or nonstick spray so those cookie bars pop right out. This step is quick but makes all the difference for easy slicing and clean edges.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a mixer (or a strong whisk if you’re going old-school), beat the mixture until it’s pale, light, and fluffy. This process whips air into the batter, leading to softer Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with a perfect crumb. Don’t rush—give it a good few minutes!

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract. Mixing eggs in individually helps maintain that dreamy, cohesive batter you want, ensuring the texture of your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars is just right.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This guarantees even distribution, which means every bite has a hint of spice and rises beautifully in the oven. Add this dry mixture to your wet batter gradually, mixing until it’s just combined—overmixing leads to tougher bars, so gentle is the way to go.

Step 5: Fold in Oats and Raisins

It’s time for the heart of these bars: fold in the oats and raisins until they’re evenly distributed. The thick, chunky batter is a joy to stir, and you’ll see all those pockets of plump, sweet raisins—make sure every bit of dough gets some of the good stuff!

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spoon the dough into your prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center feels set if gently pressed. For extra chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, slightly underbake, letting them finish setting as they cool outside the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Patience pays off here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set up, so you get beautiful, clean slices. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars, lift them out, and prepare yourself for a seriously happy taste test.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add just the right dash of elegance to your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, especially if you want them to look bakery-worthy for a party. For a touch more indulgence, try a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the top before slicing. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take these bars up a notch if you’re craving that sweet-salty contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars are super versatile: serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic dessert, or plate them with fresh fruit for a lighter snack spread. On brunch tables, nestle a few bars next to a bowl of Greek yogurt and berries for a grab-and-go treat that perks up the whole meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation by cutting the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters—or layer squares with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses for a “cookie bar trifle.” Wrapping individual bars in parchment and string turns them into the sweetest lunchbox or party favors. However you serve them, your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars will absolutely steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can also keep them in the refrigerator for extra chew—just let them sit at room temp for a bit before serving to regain their delightful softness.

Freezing

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! After cutting, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them perfect for prepping in advance or stashing away for sweet emergencies.

Reheating

If you love a warm, bakery-fresh experience, simply pop an individual bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back the just-baked softness and melts any drizzle you may have added on top. If serving a crowd, you can reheat a whole pan (covered with foil) in a low oven until gently warmed through.

FAQs

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

You can, but keep in mind that old-fashioned rolled oats give the ideal hearty texture. Quick oats yield softer, less chewy bars, but your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars will still be delicious!

What can I substitute for raisins?

If raisins aren’t your thing, swap them for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even a mix of chocolate chips and nuts. Each brings its own pop of flavor and makes these bars easy to customize.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should look golden and set, with just a hint of give in the center if you press lightly. If you like extra chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, take them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached—it’s better to underbake slightly than overdo it!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results are still scrumptiously chewy and satisfying.

How do I double the recipe for a crowd?

It’s easy to double! Simply use two 9×13-inch pans or a larger sheet pan. Watch the baking time closely—if you’re baking a thicker layer in a bigger pan, it may need a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate portable, shareable treat, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars check every box. Give them a try, and I’m willing to bet they’ll quickly be requested by friends and family for every occasion. You might want to stash a couple for yourself—these bars have a way of disappearing fast!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Chewy and flavorful oatmeal raisin cookie bars that are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. These bars are easy to make and a great alternative to traditional cookies.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raisins

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients.
Add Oats and Raisins: Fold in oats and raisins until just combined.
Bake: Spread dough in the baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
Cool and Cut: Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

For chewier bars, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting as they cool.
You can swap half the raisins with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American