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Brown butter oatmeal raisin cookie bars with raisins and oats on a wooden table
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Brown Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Delightful cookie bars featuring nutty brown butter, chewy oats, and sweet raisins, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time26 minutes
Total Time41 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brown Butter Cookies, Cookie Bars, Oatmeal Bars, Raisin Cookies
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

Cookie Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter The star of the show, providing richness and depth.
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed For a deeper caramel flavor and chewiness.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and balance.
  • 2 large eggs Essential for binding the ingredients together.
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract A warm note that enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour The structural foundation of the bars.
  • 1 tsp baking soda Helps the bars rise perfectly.
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon A dash of warmth that complements the flavors.
  • 1/2 tsp salt To enhance all the other flavors.
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats The heartiness of the recipe.
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins Juicy bursts of sweetness in each bite.

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Browned for extra richness.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetness for that frosting finish.
  • 2 tbsp milk Plus more as needed to achieve the perfect consistency.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract For frosting, to round out the flavor.
  • 1 pinch salt Balances the sweetness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Cook until golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, then let it cool for about 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  • Fold in the rolled oats and raisins, ensuring even distribution.
  • Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
  • For the frosting, brown the unsalted butter again, then transfer to a mixing bowl and add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  • Once cooled, spread the frosting over the bars and create swirls; optionally sprinkle additional raisins on top.
  • Cut into squares and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Notes

For thicker, chewier bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. You can also substitute chocolate chips for raisins or try adding chopped nuts.