There is something incredibly comforting about a classic Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that combines the wholesome heartiness of rolled oats with a touch of warm spices and a sweet, delicate glaze. This cookie strikes the perfect balance between chewy and soft, with a little crunch around the edges, and the icing adds just the right hint of sweetness to elevate every bite. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or looking to share a homemade delight with friends, these iced oatmeal cookies are an absolute must-try that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward baking these delightful cookies. Each element plays a key role in building the texture, flavor, and aroma that make this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe truly special.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the oats.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1 egg, at room temperature: Binds ingredients together and adds softness.
- 1 & ¼ cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats: The star ingredient that gives oatmeal cookies their signature chewy texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Builds the cookie’s structure.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: The base of the luscious glaze.
- 1.5 tablespoons milk: Gives the glaze the perfect silky consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the sweet icing.
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This small step sets the stage for perfect baking results.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This process incorporates air, which will make the cookies delightfully light and tender.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until the dough becomes light and fluffy. This step enriches the batter and helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the old-fashioned oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl frequently so everything mixes evenly. This ensures each cookie has a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 8 dough balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly for even baking. Bake for 10 minutes—just until the cookies are set but not overbaked. This timing keeps them soft and chewy in the center while the edges get a slight golden crunch.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes to set their shape, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. Patience here ensures the glaze won’t melt away when applied.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the glaze feels too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a dip-able consistency. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into this icing and set them back on the rack to allow the glaze to harden before serving. This finishing touch adds the perfect sweet sheen and flavor contrast.
How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, try sprinkling your iced cookies with a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg right after glazing. Chopped nuts or a few mini chocolate chips can also be sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor twist.
Side Dishes
Iced oatmeal cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or rich coffee. The creamy and slightly bitter beverages balance the cookie’s sweetness and make for a comforting snack or dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your iced cookies on a pretty platter adorned with fresh berries or edible flowers for a charming presentation at gatherings. For gift-giving, wrap them in parchment paper tied with a colorful ribbon—these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your iced oatmeal cookies have fully cooled and the glaze has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining that perfect chewy texture and glaze sweetness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months this way. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This will refresh the soft texture without melting the glaze too much.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil in this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
Butter provides richness and structure, so substituting it with margarine may work but could slightly change the texture and flavor. Oil is not recommended because it can make the cookies too greasy and alter their chewiness.
Is it necessary to use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy texture and hold their shape during baking. Quick oats, being finer, might make the cookies less textured and softer than intended.
How thick should the glaze be for dipping the cookies?
The glaze should be thin enough to coat the back of a spoon smoothly but thick enough to cling to the cookies without dripping off entirely. Adjust by adding milk a little at a time until it reaches this consistency.
Can I add raisins or nuts to this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans are classic oatmeal cookie add-ins that complement the flavors beautifully. Just fold them in when mixing the dry ingredients.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop? How should I portion the dough?
No worries if you don’t have a cookie scoop! Simply use two spoons to form dough balls of roughly equal size and place them on your baking sheet. Flatten them gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe at your fingertips, don’t hesitate to dive in and bake a batch for your loved ones or yourself. These cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgic charm and comforting sweetness, with a glaze that makes every bite feel like a small celebration. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a comforting treat combining hearty old-fashioned oats with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Soft and chewy with a delightful sugary finish, they’re perfect for any occasion or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter, softened
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 & ¼ cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Vanilla Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until the batter is light, fluffy, and homogenous.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this into the wet ingredients, scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop, form 8 equal dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Lightly flatten each ball to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until they are just set. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1.5 tablespoons milk, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if the glaze is too thick.
- Glaze the cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the vanilla glaze and place them back on the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them as soon as the edges are set.
- The glaze can be customized by adding a few drops of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Make sure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats, as quick oats will change the texture of the cookies.
