These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are everything you love about a classic oatmeal raisin cookie, but baked into soft, chewy bars you can slice and share. Packed with plump raisins, warm spices, and hearty oats, they strike the perfect balance between wholesome snack and indulgent treat.

What makes them extra special is the light vanilla glaze drizzled on top, adding a touch of sweetness and shine. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon coffee breaks, or cozy weekend baking. Best of all, they come together in one pan with no need for scooping individual cookies.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. They hold their shape and give the bars that classic chew without turning mushy. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but avoid instant oats, which can make the bars dense and pasty.

Ingredients for the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide chew and heartiness, creating the base texture.
All-purpose flour: Gives the bars structure so they hold together when sliced.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and softness to the bars.
Eggs: Bind the mixture and add tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Gives that classic oatmeal cookie spice.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft bite.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Raisins: The sweet, chewy stars of the show.
Optional glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla): Drizzled on top for extra indulgence.

How To Make the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the soft, tender texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Oats and Raisins

Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick and chunky — that’s what you want!

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the bars cool completely. For the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the top before slicing into squares.

Serving and Storing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These bars are delightful served slightly warm or at room temperature, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a lovely addition to brunch spreads or as a sweet after-school snack. To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for a slightly firmer texture. You can also freeze the bars (without glaze) for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the bars soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.

Can I use other dried fruit?

Yes! Chopped dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots make a delicious twist.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with all granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and depth.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Should I soak the raisins?

If your raisins seem dry, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes makes them extra plump and juicy.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for a classic meets indulgent twist.
New York Cheesecake when you crave creamy, decadent dessert.
Smores Sushi for a fun, no-bake treat.
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake for ultimate gooey goodness.

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 drizzle the glaze or skip it? Did you toss in extra nuts or chocolate chips?

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

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 24 minute
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Desserts

Print Recipe

Description

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices, oats, and sweet raisins. Topped with an optional vanilla glaze, they make the perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment and grease lightly.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.
Fold in oats and raisins.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely. For glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, then drizzle over bars.
Slice and enjoy!