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These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars have become my ultimate comfort baking recipe. I stumbled upon this combination while trying to simplify my grandma's cookie recipe for busy days. The blend of chewy oats plump raisins and my special maple cinnamon frosting creates something truly magical. Every time I make these the whole house fills with the coziest aroma.
Kitchen Love Story
The story behind these bars started on a rainy Sunday when I craved something sweet but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Now they've become our family's most requested treat. That maple frosting? It was inspired by my grandmother's secret recipe and takes these bars from delicious to absolutely irresistible.
What You'll Need
- All Purpose Flour: Start with 1½ cups carefully measured it's our foundation.
- Baking Soda: One teaspoon gives us that perfect rise.
- Ground Cinnamon: ¾ teaspoon makes everything cozy.
- Quick Cooking Oats: 2 cups they're the heart of these bars.
- Plump Raisins: 1 cup but I always sneak in extra.
- Brown Sugar: ¾ cup packed for lovely caramel notes.
- Room Temp Butter: ¾ cup this makes everything better.
For Our Dreamy Frosting
- Soft Butter: A half cup make sure it's perfectly room temp.
- Powdered Sugar: 1½ cups for silky smoothness.
- Pure Maple Syrup: One tablespoon of the real stuff please.
- Fresh Ground Cinnamon: A half teaspoon adds warmth.
- Heavy Cream: 1-2 tablespoons creates perfect spreading consistency.
Getting Started
First thing's first let's get your oven warming up to 350°F. I always line my 9×9 pan with parchment paper leaving some hanging over the sides. This little trick makes it so easy to lift out your bars later. A quick spray of baking spray and we're ready to go.
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Creating the Base
Grab your medium bowl and whisk together flour baking soda cinnamon and salt. This step is so important for evenly distributed spices and perfectly textured bars. I love watching the cinnamon create tiny specks throughout the flour mixture.
Making Magic
Now for my favorite part creaming the butter and brown sugar. I let my mixer run for a good 2-3 minutes until everything's light and fluffy. This step creates the most amazing texture in our finished bars don't rush it.
Adding Life to Our Batter
Time for the eggs one at a time letting each one blend in completely. Then that splash of vanilla which makes everything smell like heaven. These simple ingredients work together to create something truly special.
Bringing It Together
Now gently mix in our dry ingredients just until they're combined. Then fold in those oats and raisins. The dough gets beautifully thick here perfect for creating chewy tender bars. Sometimes I sneak a little taste of dough it's hard to resist!
Into the Oven
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan. I use the back of a measuring cup to smooth the top. Into the oven they go for 18-20 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing while these bake.
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The Waiting Game
Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then using those parchment paper handles lift the whole thing onto a cooling rack. This is the hardest part waiting for them to cool completely before frosting.
Creating the Frosting
While we wait let's make that incredible frosting. Beat your soft butter until it's creamy then gradually add powdered sugar maple syrup and just enough cream to make it perfectly spreadable. The cinnamon goes in last it makes everything smell divine.
The Grand Finale
Once your bars are completely cool spread that gorgeous frosting all over the top. I like creating pretty swirls with my spatula. This frosting is seriously the crowning glory of these bars.
Time to Share
Now comes the fun part cutting and serving these beauties. I like to cut them into generous squares. They're perfect with afternoon coffee or as an after school treat for the kids.
My Best Tips
Want to make these even better? Try soaking your raisins in warm water for 5 minutes before adding them to the dough they get so plump and juicy. And always use room temperature ingredients your bars will thank you for it.
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Making Them Your Own
Sometimes I swap the raisins for chocolate chips or dried cranberries. Need them gluten free? A good 1:1 flour blend works perfectly here. The recipe is so flexible you can really make it your own.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store these lovely bars in an airtight container and they'll stay perfect for several days. Though in my house they rarely last that long! They're just too tempting to resist.
Planning Ahead
You can freeze these beauties too! Wrap them well and they'll keep for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy them.
Common Questions
I often get asked if the frosting is necessary. While these bars are delicious plain that maple cinnamon frosting really makes them special. And yes old fashioned oats will work but quick oats give you the best texture.
Sweet Success
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars have become more than just a recipe in my kitchen. They're after school smiles weekend treats and holiday memories all wrapped up in one delicious package. I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars up to 3 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate if frosted. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- → Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking?
While quick oats give the best texture, you can use old-fashioned oats. The bars will be a bit chewier and have more texture, but they'll still taste great.
- → How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be lightly golden and the center should be set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- → Can I freeze these cookie bars?
The unfrosted bars freeze well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly. Add the frosting after thawing for the best results.
- → What if I don't have maple extract?
The maple extract is optional and enhances the maple flavor. You can skip it or use vanilla extract instead. The bars will still taste delicious with just the maple syrup.