I’ve always had a soft spot for the classic oatmeal raisin cookie — chewy, sweet, and warmly spiced, it’s the kind of treat that feels like home. But when I need something a little heartier and easier to serve to a group, I turn to my Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars. They deliver the same nostalgic flavor in a thick, chewy square that’s perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon snack.

These bars come together with pantry staples and zero fuss. They’re loaded with plump raisins and hearty oats, finished with a simple glaze that makes them feel just a little bit special. Whether you grew up on oatmeal cookies or are just looking for a chewy, cinnamon-kissed dessert, this version in bar form is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These bars are wonderfully chewy and soft in the center, with just the right touch of sweetness. They hold together beautifully, making them ideal for cutting, stacking, and sharing. You don’t need a mixer or any fancy equipment — just a bowl, a spoon, and about 30 minutes. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, freeze like a dream, and taste even better the next day.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

For the best texture in these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars, I always go with old-fashioned rolled oats. They provide a hearty chew and hold their shape beautifully during baking. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll give you a softer, less textured bite. I’d steer clear of instant oats, though — they tend to get mushy and disappear into the batter. Steel-cut oats aren’t suitable either, as they won’t soften properly during baking.

Options for Substitutions

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tailor it to what you have on hand or any dietary needs:

Butter: Swap with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: You can use coconut sugar or a mix of maple syrup and white sugar if needed, though the taste and texture may slightly change.
Raisins: Try chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips if raisins aren’t your thing.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but whole wheat pastry flour adds a slightly nuttier flavor.
Egg: For a vegan twist, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
Glaze: Omit it entirely or use a dairy-free powdered sugar glaze if you’re avoiding dairy.

This recipe is all about comfort and ease — feel free to make it your own.

Ingredients for These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and moisture. Melting it creates that perfectly chewy texture we want in these bars.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a deep, molasses-like flavor that complements the oats and raisins beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar for just the right level of sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp top.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of lift to the bars.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and enhances the warmth of the cinnamon.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder. Just enough to hold everything together without making the bars dense.
Baking Soda: Gives the bars a bit of rise and keeps them from being too heavy.
Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds that cozy, classic oatmeal cookie warmth.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star ingredient — hearty, chewy, and full of texture.
Raisins: Sweet, chewy pops of flavor throughout every bite.
Powdered Sugar & Milk (for the glaze): Just a simple drizzle over the top, adding a hint of sweetness and a finished look.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This helps the bars lift out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Let it cool slightly before adding other ingredients — you don’t want to scramble the egg.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter and stir until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and glossy.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined — don’t overmix.

Step 5: Stir in Oats and Raisins

Fold in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and chunky — exactly what we want.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bars, then slice and serve.

How Long to Cook the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

These bars bake best at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 26 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking — it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.

Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Use Room Temperature Egg: This helps the wet and dry ingredients combine more smoothly, giving you a uniform texture.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
Plump Your Raisins: Soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes and drain well before adding — this keeps them juicy and soft in the final bars.
Cool Before Glazing: If you glaze too soon, it’ll melt right into the bars. Let them cool to room temp first.
Line the Pan: Parchment paper makes removing and slicing the bars much easier, and cleanup is a breeze.
Even Spreading: Press the dough evenly in the pan to avoid lopsided baking — a small offset spatula works great here.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting the bars too soon will lead to a crumbly mess. Let them cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Using Instant Oats: They don’t hold their shape and will turn your bars mushy. Stick with rolled oats for the best texture.
Overbaking: These bars can dry out quickly if left in the oven too long. Keep an eye on them after 22 minutes.
Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour = dense bars. Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping straight from the bag.
Skipping Salt: Even in sweet treats, salt enhances flavor and balances the sugar. Don’t leave it out!
Overloading with Raisins: It’s tempting, but too many can weigh the bars down and affect structure. Stick to the recommended amount.

What to Serve With Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars?

Coffee or Espresso

The warm, toasty notes of coffee pair beautifully with the spiced oats and sweet raisins.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a bar warm with ice cream on top for a cozy dessert that feels extra indulgent.

Chai Latte or Spiced Tea

The cinnamon and cloves in a chai match the flavor of the bars perfectly.

Fresh Fruit or Berries

A handful of fresh raspberries or sliced apples adds a refreshing contrast.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream turns this into a plated dessert.

Warm Apple Cider

Perfect for fall — the comforting spices in both the bars and cider are a great match.

Yogurt (for Breakfast!)

Crumbled on top of Greek yogurt makes a wholesome, protein-packed morning treat.

Milk (of Any Kind)

A classic pairing. Dunk it, sip it, or just enjoy on the side — it always works.

Storage Instructions

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars store incredibly well. Once cooled completely, you can keep them:

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
In the refrigerator: They’ll last up to 1 week, though they may firm up a bit. Let them come to room temp or microwave for a few seconds before eating.
In the freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s the approximate nutritional info for one bar (based on a batch cut into 12 bars):

Calories: 215
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 115mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

These values may vary depending on your ingredient brands or substitutions, but they offer a good ballpark for tracking purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Do I have to use the glaze?

Not at all. The bars are delicious without it, but the glaze adds a sweet, bakery-style finish. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top as a simple alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly — around 28–32 minutes. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.

Are these bars good for breakfast?

Yes — they’re packed with oats and raisins and not overly sweet, making them a fun breakfast treat with coffee or yogurt.

How can I make these bars chewier?

Make sure to use old-fashioned oats, don’t overbake, and slightly undercook them for the best chewy texture.

Can I add nuts?

Sure! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a great addition. Stir in about ½ cup along with the raisins.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Not if you’re eating them within a few days. For longer freshness, store them in the fridge or freezer.

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

You can try it, but the texture will be softer and slightly more cake-like. Stick to dry sugars for the chewiest results.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are everything I love in a homemade treat — easy, nostalgic, and seriously satisfying. They come together in one bowl, require minimal cleanup, and fill your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and oats. Whether you’re baking for the week, sharing with friends, or sneaking one after dinner, these bars are a comforting go-to you’ll reach for again and again.