Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are chewy and packed with oats, plump raisins, and warm spices—all baked into a convenient, sliceable bar. They’re comforting, nostalgic, and perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or a sweet treat with your coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how these bars capture everything I love about classic oatmeal cookies—but in an easy-to-cut bar form. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with raisins. Plus, they stay fresh longer and are perfect for portioning out. No rolling or scooping—just press, bake, slice, and enjoy.

ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Rolled oats

• Ground cinnamon

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Raisins (roasted or regular)

• Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Directions

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

2. Mix wet ingredients. I whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Then I beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.

3. Combine dry ingredients. I whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.

4. Stir together. I fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until almost combined. Then I gently stir in raisins (and nuts or chocolate chips, if I’m using them).

5. Press into pan. I spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, pressing it firmly into the corners.

6. Bake. I bake for about 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.

7. Cool & slice. I let the bars cool completely in the pan (5–10 minutes warm or 30 minutes for firmer slicing), then lift out using the parchment and cut into bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12–16 bars (depending on size)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Bake time: 20–25 minutes

• Cooling time: 10–30 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 45 minutes (including cooling)

Variations

• Nutty crunch: I fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.

• Chocolate twist: I replace half the raisins with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

• Spiced upgrade: I add ½ tsp ground nutmeg or ginger for a cozy spice boost.

• Toll house style: I sprinkle the top with extra oats or brown sugar before baking for a crunchy finish.

storage/reheating

I store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To freshen them, I microwave a bar for about 5 seconds—chewy and warm again. They also freeze well: I wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw before eating.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes—I use quick oats in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly softer.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?

I can reduce granulated sugar by a few tablespoons, but too much reduction may make bars less chewy.

3. Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as written—oats and flour contain gluten. I can use certified gluten-free oats and substitute gluten-free flour to make them GF.

4. Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes—I substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter and they still turn out delicious.

5. How do I get clean slices?

I let them cool completely before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are one of my favorite easy, comforting treats. They combine the flavors of classic cookies in a bar that’s perfect for sharing or snacking throughout the week. I hope these bars add a cozy, chewy sweetness to your baking routine!