If you love chewy, bakery-style oatmeal raisin cookies but want something even easier to make, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are the perfect solution. With buttery oats, plump raisins, and just the right touch of cinnamon, they bake into soft, chewy bars that are ideal for snacking, lunchboxes, or cozy desserts.
These bars are a shortcut to the classic cookie—no scooping dough, no multiple baking trays. Just one bowl of batter, one pan, and a batch of golden, chewy bars ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re searching for easy dessert recipes, cookie bar ideas, or a nostalgic treat that feels like home, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and simple: No chilling or scooping, just mix, bake, and slice.
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Perfect texture: Chewy from oats, soft in the center, crisp at the edges.
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Family-friendly: A classic flavor that kids and adults love.
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Great for meal prep: Stays chewy for days and packs perfectly into lunchboxes.
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Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate, or dried fruit to make them your own.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps create that chewy texture.
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Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness.
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Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances the flavor and helps with structure.
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Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and add tenderness.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and enhances all the flavors.
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All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Gives structure without making the bars too dense.
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Baking Soda (1 tsp): Ensures lift and lightness.
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Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp): Classic pairing with oats and raisins for cozy flavor.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances depth.
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Rolled Oats (3 cups): The star ingredient for chewiness and hearty texture.
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Raisins (1 ½ cups): Add natural sweetness and bursts of flavor in every bite.
Pro Tips
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Soak the raisins: Briefly soaking them in warm water (or even rum) keeps them juicy. Drain well before adding.
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Don’t overbake: The bars should be slightly soft in the center when removed—they’ll set as they cool.
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Line with parchment: Makes slicing and cleanup much easier.
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Cool before cutting: Letting them rest ensures neat, clean squares.
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Use old-fashioned oats: Quick oats won’t give the same chewy texture.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
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Nutty crunch: Add 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
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Chocolate lovers: Swap half the raisins for chocolate chips.
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Dried fruit twist: Try cranberries, apricots, or cherries instead of raisins.
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Spice it up: Add nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice for seasonal flair.
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Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are versatile and pair beautifully with:
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A glass of cold milk for a classic combo.
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Coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade.
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Packed in lunchboxes as a sweet surprise.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then press into a pan and bake.
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Room temperature storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Wrap cooled bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Revive texture: Warm a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
A Comforting Classic in Bar Form
Oatmeal raisin cookies have been beloved for generations, often appearing in old cookbooks and family recipe boxes. This bar version takes the same wholesome ingredients—oats, raisins, cinnamon—and makes them even easier to bake and share. They’re the perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and modern convenience, a true comfort food dessert that fits any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I substitute quick oats for rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats are best for this recipe.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Nope! That’s one of the perks—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Can I make these without raisins?
Yes, you can leave them out or replace with chocolate chips, nuts, or other dried fruit.
How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
Be sure not to overbake. Cooling completely before cutting also helps them hold together.
Can I make these into cookies instead of bars?
Yes! Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at the same temperature for 10–12 minutes.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
