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Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These oatmeal raisin cookie bars are chewy, comforting, and topped with a creamy maple frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookie bars
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.75 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 0.75 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
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon for frosting
  • 0.25 teaspoon maple extract (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper, and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the oats and raisins.
Baking
  1. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges are golden.
  2. Let the bars cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar.
  2. Add the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract, and beat until creamy.
  3. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and enjoy!

Notes

Pro tip: If the frosting seems too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it's too thick, add a whisper of cream. Baking is basically negotiation with ingredients.