Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars with Maple Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ¾ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups quick-cooking oats; 1 cup raisins; 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)

Description

Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie bars baked in a pan and topped with maple cinnamon frosting—classic comfort meets easy baking.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup raisins

For the 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)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Once combined, fold in the oats and raisins by hand.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and maple extract (if using). Add cream a little at a time until the frosting reaches spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve!

Notes

Optional maple extract deepens flavor
Plump raisins before baking
Great for make-ahead or freezing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Oatmeal raisin bars, cookie bars, easy dessert, frosted bars