Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup raisins

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon maple extract (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper, and set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl as needed.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the oats and raisins with a rubber spatula. The dough will be thick.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. You may sprinkle a few extra raisins on top, if desired.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
8. Let the bars cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. In a bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.

To Serve:

Cut into 9 large or 12 small squares. Serve and enjoy!

Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Bake Time: 18–20 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes