Description
Delectable oatmeal raisin cookie bars bring comfort and nostalgia to classic dessert lovers. Warm spices and chewy texture create a homemade treat that melts in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 12 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Spices and Leavening:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and parchment paper.
- Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, then set aside.
- Cream butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and airy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until well integrated.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated without overmixing.
- Carefully blend oats and raisins into the dough using a rubber spatula, creating a dense and slightly tacky consistency.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Optionally, distribute a few additional raisins across the top.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as a doneness indicator.
- Remove from oven and allow bars to rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack using parchment paper.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar, blending thoroughly. Incorporate maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract, mixing until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
- Once bars have completely cooled, spread frosting across the surface in an even layer.
- Slice into square portions, plate, and savor the delightful treat.
Notes
- Customize raisins by soaking them in warm water or rum for extra moisture and depth of flavor before adding to the cookie bar dough.
- Swap traditional raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips for different taste variations.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free blend or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Ensure even baking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough and dense cookie bars.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg