Bring the cozy flavors of a traditional oatmeal raisin cookie to life with these soft, chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. This easy sheet-pan version eliminates the need for scooping individual cookies while delivering the same comforting combination of hearty oats, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon spice. Baking the dough in one pan creates thick, tender bars with a perfectly soft center. The finishing touch is a creamy maple cinnamon buttercream that adds a rich sweetness and makes every bite feel extra special. Perfect for family gatherings, afternoon snacks, or a relaxing treat with coffee or milk.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Ingredients For The Cookie Bars:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 1/2 cups
Baking soda	1 tsp
Ground cinnamon	3/4 tsp
Fine salt	1/2 tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	3/4 cup
Light brown sugar (packed)	3/4 cup
Large eggs (room temperature)	2
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Quick oats	2 cups
Raisins	1 cup

Ingredients For The Frosting:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1/2 cup
Powdered sugar	1 1/2 cups
Maple syrup	1 tbsp
Heavy cream (room temperature)	1 to 2 tbsp
Ground cinnamon	1/2 tsp
Maple extract (optional)	1/4 tsp

Step-by-Step Directions:

Prepare the Pan:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some extra paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until evenly blended, then set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and lighter in color. Scrape the bowl occasionally to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Create the Cookie Dough:

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until the flour disappears. Fold in the oats and raisins with a spatula until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Bake the Bars:

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting:

While the bars cool, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract if desired. Continue beating until the frosting becomes creamy and fluffy.

Frost and Serve:

Spread the maple cinnamon frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Cut into squares and serve for a deliciously sweet, spiced treat.