Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars (Print Version)

Chewy cinnamon oatmeal bars with raisins and maple frosting. A comforting treat for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ Cookie Bars

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - ½ teaspoon fine salt
05 - ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
06 - ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 2 cups quick-cooking oats
10 - 1 cup raisins

→ Frosting

11 - ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
12 - 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
13 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
14 - 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature
15 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - ¼ teaspoon maple extract (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper for easy removal, and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside for later.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
04 - Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the oats and raisins using a spatula. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
06 - Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, and optionally sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for visual appeal. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
07 - Let the bars cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
08 - In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Mix until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
09 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the butter is at room temperature for both the cookie bars and frosting to achieve smooth consistency.
02 - Quick-cooking oats work best for this recipe due to their light texture.