Iced Oatmeal Cookies: A Classic Treat with a Sweet Twist
Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with a smooth sugary glaze, Iced Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect nostalgic treat. These cookies combine hearty oats, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness to create a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon snack, a holiday party, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies never fail to impress.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these classic iced oatmeal cookies from scratch!
Why You’ll Love Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Iced oatmeal cookies are a timeless favorite for a reason. Here’s what makes them so special:
Texture: The combination of chewy oats and a crisp sugar glaze creates a perfect bite every time.
Flavor: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the rich, comforting taste of the oats.
Customizable: You can add raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips to make them your own.
Simple to Make: This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses pantry staples you likely already have.
Ingredients for Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of soft and chewy iced oatmeal cookies.
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
Place the old-fashioned oats in a food processor and pulse 4–5 times. You want the oats to break down slightly while maintaining some texture. This helps create a perfectly chewy cookie.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pulsed oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop 1 ½-inch balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll set as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for thinner icing) or more powdered sugar (for thicker icing).
Step 8: Ice the Cookies
Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing, letting the excess drip off. Place the cookies back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 20 minutes.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize your iced oatmeal cookies? Here are a few ideas:
Raisin Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of raisins for a chewy, fruity twist.
Nutty Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a touch of decadence.
Spiced Cookies: Increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons and add a pinch of ground cloves for a warmer, spicier flavor.
Tips for Perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Pulse the oats lightly: Don’t over-process the oats, as you want to maintain some texture for a chewy cookie.
Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Don’t overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
Use room temperature butter: Softened butter creams more easily, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie dough.
Let the glaze set: Allow the icing to fully set before storing the cookies to prevent sticking.
How to Store Iced Oatmeal Cookies
At Room Temperature:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent the icing from sticking.
In the Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze the un-iced cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and ice them fresh.
Why Iced Oatmeal Cookies Are a Timeless Treat
There’s something undeniably comforting about iced oatmeal cookies. The combination of warm spices, hearty oats, and sweet icing brings back fond memories of childhood treats and cozy afternoons. Plus, their classic flavor and chewy texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie swap or just because, these cookies will always hit the spot. With their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, iced oatmeal cookies are a dessert that stands the test of time.
Final Thoughts on Iced Oatmeal Cookies
If you’ve been searching for the perfect cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than these iced oatmeal cookies. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy them as-is or add your own twist, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the baking begin. With this recipe, you’ll have a batch of warm, glazed cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
