Soft-Baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Name: Soft-Baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Granulated sugar; Baking powder; Salt; Unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; Large eggs; Fresh lemon juice; Lemon zest; Sweetened condensed milk

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 11, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Few things bring more comfort than soft, chewy oatmeal cookies, but when you add warm cinnamon, plump raisins, and a sweet maple frosting, they become irresistible. These Cinnamon Maple Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and hearty, making them a delicious treat for any time of the year.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just craving something homemade, these cookies offer classic flavors with a unique maple twist. The oats add a hearty texture, the cinnamon provides warmth, and the maple-infused frosting creates a luxuriously sweet finish.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

1. Soft, Chewy, and Full of Flavor

These cookies are moist and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge and a soft center bursting with warm cinnamon and maple flavors.

2. A Perfect Balance of Sweetness & Spice

The natural sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar pairs beautifully with the spiced depth of cinnamon, creating a cozy, well-rounded flavor.

3. Great for Any Occasion

These cookies are versatile and easy to make, making them perfect for:
✔ Holiday cookie trays
✔ After-school snacks
✔ Office treats
✔ A cozy dessert with coffee or tea

4. The Maple Frosting Takes Them to the Next Level

A smooth, creamy maple frosting adds a rich and sweet layer that makes these cookies truly special.

5. Easy to Store & Make Ahead

These cookies store well, making them ideal for meal prep, gifting, or freezing for later enjoyment.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Fine salt
Unsalted butter, room temperature
Light brown sugar, packed
Large eggs, room temperature
Vanilla extract
Quick cook oats
Raisins

For the Maple Frosting:

Unsalted butter, room temperature
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Heavy cream, room temperature
Ground cinnamon
Maple extract (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Mix & Add Oats: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined, then fold in oats and raisins.
Bake the Cookies: Drop dough by tablespoons onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Beat butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and maple extract until fluffy.
Frost the Cookies: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Secrets to Making the Best Cinnamon Maple Oatmeal Cookies

1. Use Quick-Cooking Oats for the Perfect Texture

Quick oats create a soft and chewy texture without making the cookies too dense. If using old-fashioned oats, lightly pulse them in a food processor for a similar effect.

2. Brown Sugar for Moisture and Depth

Light brown sugar adds rich molasses notes and keeps the cookies soft. If you prefer a deeper flavor, try dark brown sugar.

3. Let the Dough Rest for Maximum Flavor

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer, more developed taste.

4. Don’t Overbake for Soft, Chewy Cookies

These cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.

5. Make the Frosting Extra Creamy

For a light, whipped consistency, beat the frosting until smooth and fluffy. Adding a touch of maple extract enhances the maple flavor without overpowering the cookies.

Creative Variations & Add-Ins

1. Nutty Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nuttiness.

2. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Swap out the raisins for dark chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.

3. Coconut Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor boost.

4. Cranberry Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tart, festive variation.

5. Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Hot Beverage

These cookies are delicious alongside a warm drink like:
✔ A cup of coffee or espresso
✔ Chai or cinnamon-spiced tea
✔ A mug of hot chocolate

2. As a Holiday Gift

Package these cookies in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

3. With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Pair them with vanilla or maple ice cream for a decadent dessert.

4. As a Breakfast Treat

These cookies have wholesome oats and raisins, making them a great on-the-go breakfast option.

How to Store & Keep Fresh

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If frosted, keep them in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Freezing:

Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw at room temperature and frost before eating.

Reheating:

Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back their soft and chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make These Without Frosting?

Yes! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds extra flavor and sweetness.

2. Can I Use Old-Fashioned Oats Instead of Quick Oats?

Yes, but pulse them briefly in a food processor to achieve a softer texture.

3. Can I Substitute Maple Syrup in the Frosting?

If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or caramel syrup for a similar sweetness.

4. How Do I Keep the Frosting from Being Too Sweet?

Adjust the powdered sugar and cream to reach your desired sweetness level.

5. What Can I Use Instead of Raisins?

Try using dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips as an alternative.

6. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

These Cinnamon Maple Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect balance of chewy, buttery, and spiced flavors with a sweet maple finish. Whether you enjoy them freshly baked, chilled, or paired with coffee, they’re a warm, comforting treat that’s sure to be a favorite.

With their soft texture, rich cinnamon aroma, and indulgent maple frosting, these cookies are ideal for fall, winter, or any time you want something homemade and delicious.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these cozy, flavorful cookies!