There’s something utterly comforting about classic oatmeal cookies, but when you add a sweet, smooth glaze on top, they transform into a delightful treat that feels special yet familiar. This Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe brings together the hearty chew of rolled oats with warm spices and a luscious vanilla icing that sets just right, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or a cozy gathering, these cookies are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Let me take you through how to bring this sweet, nostalgic delight to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and finish for your iced oatmeal cookies. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the spices that add warmth, every component counts.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Butter provides moisture and richness that make the cookies tender and flavorful.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and chewy texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with crisping the cookie edges.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- 1 egg, at room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
- 1 & ¼ cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats: Brings hearty texture and wholesome flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s soft base.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds inviting warmth and complexity.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Subtly deepens the spice profile.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough and remain tender.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that tops each cookie brilliantly.
- 1.5 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with extra vanilla goodness.
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick and will have clean edges each time.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is combined and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air, which helps the cookies have a lighter texture. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract, making the mixture smooth and fragrant.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure every bit is well mixed. These ingredients bring the characteristic hearty texture and warm spice notes that define an iced oatmeal cookie.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form 8 equal dough balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie just a little, so they bake evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, keeping an eye not to overbake – you want a soft, chewy texture rather than something crispy.
Step 5: Cooling
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes. This resting time helps the cookies set properly without breaking. Once slightly cooled, move them to a wire rack to chill completely before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. If the glaze feels too thick to dip, add a little more milk, a few drops at a time, to reach that perfect consistency for coating your cookies.
Step 7: Glaze the Cookies
Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing, allowing the excess glaze to drip off. Return them to the wire rack to let the glaze set fully before serving. This adds a sweet finish with a slight crunch that pairs beautifully with the chewy oats beneath.
How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these glazed oatmeal cookies look stunning as they are, you can elevate their appeal with a quick sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped nuts before the glaze sets. This adds a pretty contrast and a little extra texture that’s sure to catch the eye.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a classic pairing. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh fruit to contrast the sweet, spiced notes with something refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Arrange iced oatmeal cookies in a beautiful staggered pattern on a wooden board or tiered cake stand. For a special touch, drizzle a little extra glaze over the stack or add edible flowers nearby for a whimsical look that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover iced oatmeal cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days. Make sure the glaze is fully set before stacking them to avoid sticking.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after storage, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will revive their soft, just-baked texture and softly melt the glaze once again, bringing back that homemade delight.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
While margarine can work in a pinch, using real butter gives these cookies their classic rich flavor and soft texture. Margarine might alter both the taste and the way the cookies bake, so I recommend sticking with butter whenever possible.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats create the ideal chewy texture and structure for these cookies. Quick oats tend to be finer and can make the cookies less hearty, so for the best results, use whole rolled oats.
Can I make the glaze dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the milk in the glaze for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. This minor change keeps the glaze creamy and sweet without dairy.
How do I prevent the cookies from getting too hard?
The key is not to overbake them and to use the precise amount of baking soda and butter in the recipe. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain chewiness. Following the recipe times carefully ensures a soft texture every time.
Can I add raisins or nuts to the cookies?
Definitely! Adding a half cup of raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans to the dough will give your cookies extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in after the dry ingredients so they’re evenly distributed.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe never fails to impress both in appearance and taste, and it’s a joy to bake anytime you want a little cozy sweetness. The combination of chewy oats, warm spices, and that gorgeous glaze hits all the right notes, making these cookies a new favorite to share with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try making them and see how quickly they disappear from your treat plate!
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
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies, featuring a perfectly balanced blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. With wholesome oats and a simple glaze, these cookies are a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
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
Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add the room temperature egg and the tablespoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix thoroughly until the batter is light and fluffy, ensuring even incorporation.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl to mix everything evenly.
- Shape the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out 8 equal dough balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each ball slightly for even baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are just set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft texture.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them set nicely without breaking.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it.
- Glaze the cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then place them back on the cooling rack to allow the glaze to set before serving. This adds a sweet, flavorful finish to the cookies.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and remove from oven as soon as edges are set.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Adjust glaze thickness with milk as needed to prevent it from being too runny or too thick.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optionally, add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
