Description
These Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars offer a comforting, chewy texture from rolled oats, enhanced by warm cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with a sweet, crackly vanilla icing. They are simple to make and perfect for any occasion, from lunchboxes to parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Oatmeal Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or instant)
- For the Vanilla Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats until evenly mixed.
- Press the oatmeal cookie bar dough into the prepared pan in an even layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool the oatmeal cookie bars completely in the pan on a wire rack (up to 2 hours).
- Prepare the vanilla icing by whisking together sifted powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and optional salt. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Spread the icing evenly over the cooled oatmeal bars using a spatula.
- Let the icing set at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper handles, cut into squares or rectangles, and serve your delicious iced oatmeal cookie bars.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts can be folded into the dough with the oats.
- Spice variations can include ground cloves, cardamom, or ginger. Orange zest also pairs well.
- Glaze upgrades include maple glaze or a cream cheese glaze.
- Store iced oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Un-iced bars can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230–270 kcal