Name: Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (170g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 Tablespoon (15ml) unsulphured or dark molasses (do not use blackstrap; Grandma’s brand recommended); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups (180g) sifted confectioners’ sugar; 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1.5 – 2 Tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

There is something utterly comforting and nostalgic about these Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that makes them an absolute favorite for cookie lovers everywhere. With their perfect balance of soft centers and crisp, chewy edges, these old-fashioned cookies are bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering cozy flavors in every bite. The unique addition of a smooth vanilla icing, which sets beautifully after a few hours, gives these treats an irresistible glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and charm. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a delightful snack, this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe will become your go-to for sharing a moment of joy with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass blender jar filled with a thick, light brown mixture that has a slightly chunky texture. The mixture fills most of the blender jar, with some areas looking smoother and other parts appearing more coarse. The jar is positioned on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the texture of the mixture inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing a vital role in texture, flavor, and appearance. From the hearty oats that give the cookies their signature chew to the well-rounded spices that bring warmth, every component is essential to creating this classic treat.

Old-fashioned whole rolled oats (2 cups, 170g): Pulsing these oats gives the cookies a uniform but chewy texture with a wonderful bite.
All-purpose flour (2 cups, 250g): Provides the necessary structure to keep cookies soft yet sturdy.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a light, tender crumb.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Adds that classic warmth that feels like a cozy hug.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Subtly complements the cinnamon with its nutty, aromatic notes.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, 226g), softened: Creamy richness that delivers moisture and melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
Light or dark brown sugar (1 cup, 200g): Deep sweetness and chewiness that makes the cookie irresistible.
Granulated sugar (½ cup, 100g): Balances the brown sugar with a touch of crispness.
Large eggs (2), at room temperature: Acts as a binder for the dough, while contributing tenderness.
Unsulphured or dark molasses (1 tablespoon): Adds rich, complex flavor and moistness, making these cookies extra special.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A vital flavor booster that rounds out all the spices and sweetness beautifully.
Confectioners’ sugar (1½ cups, 180g), sifted: The star ingredient in the luscious vanilla icing topping.
Pure vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Infuses the icing with delicate, fragrant flavor.
Milk (1½–2 tablespoons): Used to thin the icing to just the right consistency for dipping.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Pulse the Oats

Begin by pulsing your old-fashioned oats in a food processor about 10-12 times. This process achieves a lovely mixture of finely chopped oats and some oat flour, which helps create a compact and chewy cookie texture unique to this recipe. Don’t over-process; you want a mix of textures for the best cookie bite.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your pulsed oats with the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This dry mixture is the foundation of the cookie’s flavor and texture, ensuring every bite has a perfectly distributed sprinkle of spice and the right structure.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter, light or dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. You want the mixture to be light and creamy, which helps to aerate the dough so it bakes up tender and fluffy with a slight chew.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until everything combines smoothly, about one minute. Make sure you scrape down the bowl sides and bottom occasionally to fully incorporate all the ingredients, creating a rich, uniform dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, which means you’re on the right track. Cover it tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to firm up the dough—this resting time is crucial for flavor development and easier handling.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats, making cleanup easier while preventing the cookies from sticking or spreading too much.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie, spacing them 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes. The edges will be lightly browned and crisp, but the centers will still look soft—this is perfect for that classic chewy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes after taking them out of the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential before icing to prevent the glaze from melting.

Step 9: Make and Apply the Vanilla Icing

For the icing, whisk sifted confectioners’ sugar with vanilla extract and one tablespoon of milk. Use a fork to combine, then add a bit more milk as needed to achieve a very thick glaze consistency—just enough to lightly dip the tops of your cookies. The icing will set after a couple of hours, allowing for neat stacking and gifting.

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

The image shows many round cookies topped with white icing, arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a golden-brown base with a slightly rough texture and is covered unevenly with smooth, glossy white icing that has thin, delicate cracks and patterns. The cookies are layered flat and fill the entire frame, making a visually rich pattern of light and warm brown mixed with white. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the cookies are gorgeous on their own, you can jazz them up with a little extra flair. Try a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on the icing before it sets, adding texture and a hint of visual appeal that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

These iced oatmeal cookies pair beautifully with a warm beverage such as chai tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. The spices and sweetness in the cookies harmonize wonderfully with these drinks, making your snack time feel cozy and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, arrange your iced oatmeal cookies in a rustic tin or on a pretty serving platter lined with parchment paper. You can even stack them with parchment sheets in between for gifting. Wrapping them in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a delightful homemade treat for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your iced oatmeal cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their perfect texture, keep them separated by layers of parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, the unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 4 days before baking—simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, baked and fully iced cookies freeze well in a sealed container for up to a month, perfect for last-minute treats.

Reheating

To revive the soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture, warm the cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid reheating iced cookies too long as the icing might melt; a brief warming enhances softness without compromising the glaze.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without pulsing the oats?

Technically, yes. However, pulsing the oats gives the cookies a better compact texture and uniform chew. Whole oats without pulsing result in a chunkier cookie that may not hold together as well.

What if I don’t have molasses? Can I substitute it?

Molasses adds depth and moisture, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long should I wait for the icing to set before stacking cookies?

It’s best to let the icing set for at least two hours at room temperature. This allows it to harden enough so cookies won’t stick when stacked or stored.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats have the right texture for this recipe. Quick oats will create a softer, less chewy cookie and might alter the overall outcome, so it’s best to stick with rolled oats for the ideal result.

Is it okay to add raisins or nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding about 1 cup of raisins or chopped nuts is a lovely way to personalize your iced oatmeal cookies. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients for an extra tasty twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling a batch of these Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe out of the oven and sharing them fresh with loved ones. The balance of textures, familiar spices, and that silky vanilla icing topping make these cookies a treasured classic worth baking again and again. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with sweet, cozy bites that brighten any day.