Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars

An oatmeal cookie in bar form? Yes, please! In this simple recipe I'm going to share my favorite recipe, perfect for your next get-together.

What is an Oatmeal Cookie Bar?

An oatmeal cookie bar is a delicious treat that combines the chewy texture and flavor of oatmeal cookies with the convenience of a bar form. Instead of portioning out individual cookies, the dough is pressed into a baking pan and baked as a single large slab. After baking, it's cut into squares or bars for easy serving.

Oatmeal cookie bars typically contain ingredients such as oats, flour, butter, sugar (both brown and granulated), eggs, and flavorings like vanilla extract. They may also include add-ins such as chocolate chips, raisins, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

These bars are great for snacks, dessert, or even breakfast on-the-go. They're simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Oatmeal Bar Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here's a quick peek at what you'll need. These are simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry or refrigerator.

Cookies:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups uncooked quick rolled oats
• 1 cup Craisins
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze: 

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 - 2 tablespoons water

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chop pecans and set aside.

Place butter in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment. Beat until creamy and light. 

Add both sugars and vanilla extract. Beat for 2 - 3 minutes. 

Add eggs and mix well. 

Add dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon). Don’t over mix. 

Add oats, Craisins, and nuts and mix only until incorporated. 

Place dough on prepared cookie sheet (or 9x13-inch pan). 

With floured hands, spread into an even layer.

Place in preheated 350 degree oven. 

If you’re using a large cookie sheet (10x15) bake for 20 - 22 minutes. 

If you’ve used a 9x13-inch pan bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown. 

Remove and place on wire rack to cool. 

Make your glaze. I happened to have cream cheese frosting on hand so that’s what I used on mine. 

Once your cookie bars are mostly cooled, drizzle on the glaze. (If you’re using a frosting you can add it while the bars are still slightly warm so that it melts.) 

Slice into squares and serve. 

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. (If you’re using a cream cheese frosting like I did, you’ll need to store them in the fridge. Just make sure they come to room temperature before serving or they will be too firm.) 

What to Expect from these Cookie Bars

I’m crazy about oatmeal cookies. They’re my favorite. Others might choose chocolate chip or sugar cookies, but I almost always choose oatmeal, if given the chance. 

Why? Maybe it’s the chewy oats. Maybe it’s the sweet Craisins. Maybe it’s the crunch of the pecans. Or maybe it’s the combination of all of the above, along with that rich brown sugar flavor. I honestly don’t know why I love them so much, but I do! And I’m thrilled to have an easier option. Scooping out individual cookies is a pain! 

These cookie bars were made as a gift for a family that just lost their mom. I wanted to take something to the service that the family could enjoy later on. These were perfect because they were easy to make and served a group. 

Variations on this Recipe

You can change this recipe up in a number of ways. Here are some ideas that come to mind: 

Coconut Palm Sugar: If you’re trying to cut back on your sugars, use one cup of coconut palm sugar in place of the white and brown. 

Raisins: It’s perfectly fine to add raisins in place of Craisins. Or, skip them altogether if you’re not a fan. 

Chocolate chunks or chips: If you like, you can skip the Craisins and go with a cup of chocolate chips. Or, if you like, you can press little chunks or squares of chocolate into the top of the dough before baking. 

Coconut: I almost added a cup of coconut to this recipe but decided not to. I think coconut would really add additional flavor and texture. (Yum!) 

Rice Krispies: I know. Sounds crazy. But I have a delicious oatmeal rice Krispy cookie recipe and I think it would translate well to bars. 

Drizzle peanut butter on top: In place of glaze, drizzle peanut butter on top. 

Melted chocolate on top: If you like, you can cover the bars with melted chocolate, like I did with my peanut butter cookie bars. 

Use your imagination! You’ll have a blast. 

Other Oatmeal Treats from Out of the Box Baking

Gluten Free Oatmeal Cake: If you’re looking for a healthy version of a delicious oat cake, one filled with flavor and texture, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make an over-the-top oatmeal cake. Best of all, it’s gluten-free! 

Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Chips: Sometimes you’re just in the mood for something sweet, even for breakfast. And if you love the ease of a bar, then this recipe will satisfy not just your sweet tooth, but your need to grab-and-go. 

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies: If you’re in the mood for a quick, easy cookie—one loaded with oats, chocolate, and peanut butter—have I got the perfect no-bake recipe for you! 

Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins: If you love a hearty breakfast muffin with oats, but you also love the juicy sweetness of berries, then this is the muffin for you. This delicious muffin isn’t your grandmother’s breakfast treat, but it is made with something she kept in her cupboard. . .mayonnaise.

Overnight Oats: If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat, one loaded with flavor and texture, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how I make the most delicious Banana Walnut Overnight Oats! 

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That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe. 

If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!

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