Pantry-Style Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Squares

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie squares made with pantry staples, perfect for an easy, nostalgic dessert anytime. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 43 minutes layers old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 28 min Serves 16 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 large eggs and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup raisins evenly.
  6. Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  7. Step 7: Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pantry-Style Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Squares take to make?

Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Pantry-Style Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Squares?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pantry-Style Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Squares?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pantry-Style Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Squares for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pantry-Style Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Squares?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes