Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a soft, chewy dessert bar packed with oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices, all baked into an easy-to-slice treat. They’ve got everything I love about classic oatmeal raisin cookies—just in bar form, which means less work and more to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and hassle-free these cookie bars are. There’s no need to chill dough or scoop individual cookies—just press the mixture into a pan, bake, and slice. The result is a perfectly chewy bar with that cozy cinnamon-oat flavor and little bursts of sweet, juicy raisins in every bite. They’re great for snacking, lunchboxes, potlucks, or whenever I need something sweet but easy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Old-fashioned rolled oats

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Ground cinnamon

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Raisins

• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.

2. In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. I beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. I gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then fold in the raisins (and nuts, if using).

6. I spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it down with a spatula or clean hands.

7. I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. I let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookie bars. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so I usually have them ready in about 45 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add a handful of chocolate chips along with the raisins for a fun twist. When I want extra chewiness, I soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before folding them into the dough. I’ve also made them with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different kind of sweetness.

storage/reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature when I need a quick treat. No reheating necessary, though I sometimes warm them briefly for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

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

Yes, I’ve used quick oats in a pinch, but the texture is a bit softer. I prefer old-fashioned oats for a heartier bite.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats when needed—it works great.

How do I keep the bars from drying out?

I make sure not to overbake and store them tightly covered. A slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft too.

Can I use butter substitutes?

Yes, I’ve used plant-based butter with good results. Coconut oil can work too, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Are these good for lunchboxes?

Absolutely. I cut them into smaller squares and wrap them individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a nostalgic, no-fuss treat that brings all the cozy flavors I love into an easy-to-make and shareable format. Whether I’m baking for family, friends, or just myself, these bars always hit the spot with their chewy texture, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon goodness.