The delightful crunch of oats and the sweet embrace of a creamy glaze make Iced Oatmeal Cookies a truly irresistible treat. On a lazy weekend afternoon, I found myself browsing through my pantry, feeling uninspired by the usual snacks. That’s when I stumbled upon a bag of old-fashioned rolled oats, and a spark of creativity ignited. Combining the nostalgia of home-baked goodness with a touch of elegance, these cookies transformed my day.
Beneath their glossy exterior lies a chewy, spice-infused center that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for casual gatherings or simple afternoon teas, they offer a comforting escape from the fast-food hustle. In just 27 minutes, you’ll be enveloped in the rich aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy atmosphere that beckons friends and family to gather around. So, grab your apron and let’s indulge in this delightful journey of flavors and textures that are sure to bring smiles all around!
Why are Iced Oatmeal Cookies so beloved?
Irresistible flavor: The unique blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, mixed with the robustness of oats, creates a flavor that’s both comforting and nostalgic.
Quick to prepare: In just 27 minutes, you’ll have warm, freshly baked cookies that will impress your family and friends.
Gooey glaze: The sweet, creamy icing is the perfect finishing touch, making each bite a delightful treat.
Versatile and fun: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual afternoons, these cookies are a hit with everyone.
Healthier indulgence: Packed with oats, they offer a chewy texture while still satisfying your sweet tooth!
Crowd-pleaser: Serve them at your next gathering for a guaranteed rave review; everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Iced Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – these provide a hearty texture and contain fiber for a healthier treat.
- All-purpose flour – essential for binding the cookie dough together.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise to create that perfect chewy interior.
- Baking soda – a little helps to enhance browning and creates a delightful crunch.
- Salt – a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Cinnamon – this warm spice is what gives the iced oatmeal cookies their comforting aroma.
- Ground nutmeg – adds a hint of warmth and familiarity to each bite.
- Butter, softened – the secret to a rich and moist cookie; don’t substitute for margarine!
- Light brown sugar – contributes a deeper sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar – mixed with brown sugar, it helps achieve the perfect crunchy texture.
- Large eggs – they bind the dough and add richness.
- Vanilla extract – a must-have for that irresistible aromatic sweetness.
For the Glaze
- Confectioners sugar – a smooth base that sweetens your cookies with a lovely sheen.
- Milk – just the right amount makes the glaze pourable while ensuring it’s not too runny.
Discover the joy of baking these Iced Oatmeal Cookies and share them with loved ones for a memorable sweet experience!
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your baking sheets with cooking spray, ensuring an easy release for those delicious cookies later.
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Pulse the rolled oats in a food processor for about 10 seconds until they’re coarse. This step helps create a delightful texture in your cookies.
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Combine the oats with flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Make sure they’re mixed well to distribute those warm spices evenly.
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Cream the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will add richness to your cookies!
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Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, allowing the sweetness to shine.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You want to avoid over-mixing for a tender cookie.
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Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to brown. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden touch!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely – patience pays off here!
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Whisk together the confectioners sugar and milk in a medium bowl to make the glaze. It should be smooth and pourable, just perfect for dipping.
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Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack.
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Let the glaze set on the cookies for a bit before enjoying your sweet creation. Patience always makes the flavors bloom!
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Store your Iced Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and ready for whenever that sweet craving hits.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze for an attractive finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Oat Consistency: Pulse the oats just enough to avoid them becoming powdery; you want a coarse texture that adds chewiness to your cookies.
Creaming Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture. This helps achieve that light, fluffy combination with sugars.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour mixture, mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and prevent them from turning out tough.
Spacing is Key: Make sure to place the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet; this allows them to spread properly as they bake into delightful, chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies.
Glazing Tip: Dip the cookies in the glaze while they’re still warm for better adhesion. Let excess drip off to create a beautiful even coat.
Storage Secret: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll be ready whenever that sweet craving strikes!
How to Store and Freeze Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the Iced Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay good for up to 1 week while staying moist and tasty.
Freezer: You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To revive your cookies, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Iced Oatmeal Cookies?
Savoring these delightful cookies opens up a world of pairing possibilities, creating the perfect sweet spread for any occasion.
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Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s creamy glaze, making every bite feel nostalgic and comforting.
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Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee perfectly complement the spices in the cookies, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture melts beautifully against the warm cookie, creating an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors beautifully.
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Tea: Herbal or chai tea pairs exquisitely, with aromatic notes enhancing the warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg in your iced treats.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie edges into warm, melted chocolate for a decadent twist that adds richness to the already delightful flavor profile.
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Nutty Trail Mix: Serve alongside a crunchy trail mix for a fun contrasting texture, adding a wholesome dimension to your cookie experience.
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Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes atop the glaze for an added layer of flavor that elevates the cookies to tropical sweetness.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies, bringing a luscious sweetness that makes each bite even more irresistible.
Iced Oatmeal Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own with these fun and tasty twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy the same beloved taste without the gluten. Often, a 1:1 baking blend works beautifully!
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a plant-based version that’s equally satisfying. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
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Add-Ins: Toss in a cup of your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for an extra burst of flavor and texture in every bite. Just fold them in after your dough is combined.
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Spices Swap: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile that brings warmth and excitement. Just a sprinkle will elevate your cookies to new heights!
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate almond or peanut butter to the batter for a nutty twist, adding richness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the oat base. Just be mindful of the added consistency; you may need to adjust the flour slightly!
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Zesty Lemon: Add lemon zest for a refreshing citrus zing that brightens the overall flavor. A teaspoon or two will lift your cookies to the next level of delightful goodness!
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Heat It Up: For spice lovers, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a surprising kick that balances sweet with heat—this adventurous touch will spark conversations at your next gathering!
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Coconut Cream: Swap out milk in the glaze for coconut milk and add shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist, turning an already delightful cookie into a vacation-inspired treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients as directed, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This helps to enhance the flavors while preventing the cookies from spreading too much. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets and bake as usual. Additionally, the cookies can be glazed up to 3 days ahead. Just keep the cookies in an airtight container, and glaze them shortly before serving for that fresh, delightful finish. Enjoy quick and delicious treats that are just as tasty as freshly baked!
Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of oats should I use for Iced Oatmeal Cookies?
I recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. They offer the best texture and heartiness, ensuring that your cookies have that delightful chewiness. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they won’t provide the same satisfying bite!
How should I store my Iced Oatmeal Cookies?
To keep your Iced Oatmeal Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for about 1 week, remaining moist and delicious.
Can I freeze Iced Oatmeal Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze your baked Iced Oatmeal Cookies for up to 3 months. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a delightful treat!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls without sticking to your hands. Alternatively, you can add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency—just be careful not to add too much!
Are Iced Oatmeal Cookies safe for my pet?
Iced Oatmeal Cookies are not suitable for pets, especially because of the sugar and milk in the glaze. Always keep baked goods out of reach of your furry friends to prevent any potential health issues.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make your Iced Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your oats are labeled gluten-free as well, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated.
Delicious Iced Oatmeal Cookies for Your Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray baking sheets with cooking spray.
- Pulse the rolled oats in a food processor for about 10 seconds until coarse.
- Combine oats with flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Cream softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place on prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are just beginning to brown.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together confectioners sugar and milk in a medium bowl to make the glaze.
- Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off before placing back on the rack.
- Let glaze set on cookies before enjoying. Store your cookies in an airtight container.