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Brown butter oatmeal raisin cookie bars fresh out of the oven
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Brown Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

Delicious and nostalgic cookie bars infused with the rich flavor of brown butter and packed with hearty oats and sweet raisins.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time26 minutes
Total Time41 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baking, Brown Butter Cookies, Cookie Bars, Oatmeal Raisin Bars
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 210kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter The star of the show, for both the bars and frosting.
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed Enhances sweetness and moistness.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Balances the sweetness.
  • 2 large eggs Helps bind the mixture.
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure.
  • 1 tsp baking soda Leavening agent for chewiness.
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Adds warmth.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances flavor.
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats For heartiness.
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins Sweet bursts of flavor.

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter For frosting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Creates sweetness in the frosting.
  • 2 tbsp milk Adjusts frosting consistency.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract For frosting flavor.
  • 1 pinch salt Enhances sweetness.

Instructions

Brown the Butter

  • Place unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Melt and cook until golden brown and nutty in aroma. Cool for 15 minutes.

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Add Oats and Raisins

  • Gently fold in oats and raisins until evenly distributed.

Bake the Bars

  • Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing evenly. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting

  • Brown another stick of butter as before and transfer it to a bowl. Mix in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Bars

  • Spread frosting over cooled bars, using a spoon to create swirls. Optionally top with extra raisins.

Cut and Serve

  • Slice into squares and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. For consistent baking, measure ingredients accurately.