Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a perfect combination of hearty oats, sweet cinnamon, and a creamy glaze, all in the form of a soft, chewy bar. These bars have all the comforting flavors of traditional oatmeal cookies but with the added bonus of being easier to make and serve. The simple icing on top adds a sweet finishing touch that complements the warm, spiced oatmeal perfectly. These bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even as a treat to share with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a fantastic twist on the classic oatmeal cookie. The bars are rich, chewy, and packed with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and oats, while the smooth icing on top adds a perfect balance of sweetness. The best part? They’re easy to make and perfect for slicing into squares, making them a great choice for parties, picnics, or a simple homemade treat. The combination of textures—from the soft, chewy bars to the sweet, creamy icing—will make this dessert a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed for desired consistency)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Cookie Bar Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

• Stir in the rolled oats, and if desired, fold in raisins or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

3. Bake the Bars:

• Spread the oatmeal cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be soft and slightly firm to the touch.

• Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Icing:

• While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired icing consistency—it should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to hold its shape.

5. Ice the Bars:

• Once the oatmeal bars are completely cool, drizzle the icing evenly over the top. Use a spoon or offset spatula to spread it out if necessary.

• Let the icing set for about 10-15 minutes, or until it firms up a bit.

6. Slice and Serve:

• Slice the iced oatmeal cookie bars into squares or rectangles, and serve. Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or as a simple snack!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars (depending on the size of your slices)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 40-50 minutes (including cooling and icing time)

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for added texture and flavor.

• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dough to enhance the spiced flavor of the bars.

• Coconut Version: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.

• Maple Icing: Replace the milk in the icing with maple syrup for a maple-flavored drizzle to complement the oatmeal flavor.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure to also use certified gluten-free oats.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the iced oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well! After cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour.

• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While rolled oats are best for this recipe, you can use quick oats if that’s all you have. The texture of the bars will be slightly softer and finer, but they will still taste great.

2. Can I make these bars without the icing?

Yes! If you prefer a less sweet version or want to make them healthier, you can skip the icing entirely. The bars will still have plenty of flavor from the oats and cinnamon.

3. Can I use a different type of sweetener?

If you prefer to use a natural sweetener, you can substitute the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, especially if you use a liquid sweetener.

4. How can I make these bars chewier?

For chewier bars, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool in the pan. They will continue to firm up as they cool but should stay soft and chewy.

5. Can I make these bars with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour for a heartier, more nutritious version. Start by replacing half the flour to keep the texture balanced.

6. Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! If you like a spicier flavor, add more cinnamon or experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ground cloves.

7. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when they’re golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are ready.

8. Can I use dried fruit in place of raisins?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even dried cherries for a unique flavor in place of raisins.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch baking pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, checking for doneness after about 25-30 minutes.

10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the bars a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and drizzle the icing just before serving.

Conclusion

Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. With the chewiness of oatmeal cookies, the warmth of cinnamon, and the sweetness of the icing, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a dessert for a gathering, or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars will do the trick. Plus, with so many ways to customize the recipe, they’re a versatile treat that can be made to suit any taste!