There’s just something about Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars that brings a wave of cozy nostalgia to the kitchen—think of the heartwarming comfort of classic oatmeal cookies, but in a thick, chewy, crowd-pleasing bar form. These bars are the epitome of easy baking: simple to whip up, irresistibly soft in the center with a perfectly golden crust around the edges. The chewy oats and plump raisins create a texture that’s both hearty and satisfying, while warm spices and brown sugar add layers of flavor you’ll want to savor with each bite. Whether you’re baking a batch for a family gathering, a quick snack, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these cookie bars deliver everything you love about oatmeal raisin cookies, only better!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity: each ingredient is familiar yet crucial, creating magic together in every bite. Don’t underestimate the basics here—each one plays a special role in making these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars truly unforgettable.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring hearty texture and classic oatmeal flavor—quick oats just won’t deliver the same chewiness.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the bars, keeping them firm enough to slice but tender to bite.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the bars deliciously moist.
Granulated sugar: Balances out the molasses flavor from the brown sugar for a well-rounded sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Melts into every bite, adding rich flavor and helping that irresistibly tender crumb.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and helping the bars rise.
Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out the flavor profile—always go with pure vanilla if you can!
Ground cinnamon: Gives these bars that signature warm, spiced aroma and taste.
Baking soda: Lifts the bars just enough so they’re not too dense.
Salt: A pinch brings out the best in every ingredient and balances the sweetness.
Raisins: Juicy little bites of fruit that add sweetness and plenty of chewy texture.
Optional add-ins (chopped walnuts or chocolate chips): For extra crunch or a touch of decadence, toss some in!

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Prep the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This sets you up for easy removal and tidy slices later—no stuck-on edges to wrestle with!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined and slightly fluffy. This step ensures your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars have that signature tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mixing your dry ingredients first ensures the spices and leavening agents distribute evenly throughout the dough, giving you consistent flavor and lift.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix—just enough so you can’t see pockets of flour. Gently stir in the raisins (and, if you’re feeling adventurous, walnuts or chocolate chips). The dough should smell heavenly at this stage!

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Pour and spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 22–28 minutes, or until the bars are golden at the edges and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Remember, slight underbaking keeps them wonderfully chewy.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely before slicing; this makes slicing much easier and helps the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars hold their adorable square shape.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For that bakery-worthy finish, dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. A handful of extra raisins or a scattering of chopped walnuts on top while the bars are still warm can make them look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars are brilliant alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even enveloped in a cozy mug of chai tea. If you’re serving them for dessert, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is a dreamy pairing you’ll want to repeat!

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the box? Cut the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars into bite-sized pieces for a lunchbox treat or picnic snack. Stack them in a jar for a giftable sweet surprise, or use them as the “cookie” base in a layered dessert parfait with yogurt and fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer parchment between bars if stacking to prevent sticking, and enjoy them as a grab-and-go success all week long.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep some on hand for sudden cravings, simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer—just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Reheating

For an ooey-gooey treat, warm a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. It revives that fresh-from-the-oven taste and makes the raisins extra juicy. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw before giving it a quick zap.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cranberries for raisins?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries add a delightful tartness. Feel free to mix in half cranberries and half raisins for a sweet-and-tangy twist on your Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars.

How do I keep the bars soft and chewy?

Keep an eye on baking time—removing the bars from the oven when just set and still slightly underbaked in the center ensures maximum chewiness. Also, storing them tightly sealed will keep them from drying out.

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

While quick oats work in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy, hearty texture and classic look to your cookie bars. Quick oats may make the bars a bit softer and less chunky.

Are these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars gluten free?

The recipe as written is not gluten free, but you can easily swap in a cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend and certified gluten free oats if desired. Just be sure all your mix-ins are also gluten free.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Let your bars cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This way you’ll achieve neat, bakery-style bars every time!

Final Thoughts

Whether you grew up on oatmeal cookies or you’re discovering their comforting magic for the first time, I can’t recommend these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars enough. They’re the recipe I reach for when I want something both simple to make and impressively delicious—give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe