Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you grew up craving bakery-style Iced Oatmeal Cookies — you know, those nostalgic, soft-yet-chewy classics draped in sweet vanilla glaze — you’re about to be very happy. This recipe delivers all that old-fashioned charm in an easy, no-fuss homemade version you’ll want to bake again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll fall in love with just how straightforward and essential these ingredients are! Each one brings something to the table — from the cozy warmth of cinnamon to the signature chewiness of the oats — and together, they create the irresistible magic of real homemade Iced Oatmeal Cookies.

• Butter (½ cup, softened): The base for any great cookie — it adds richness, flavor, and that soft, tender crumb we adore.
• Brown Sugar (⅓ cup): Gives the cookies a subtle molasses depth and helps keep them moist.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Balances the brown sugar and delivers the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon in dough + ¼ teaspoon in icing): Adds real warmth and bakery-style aroma to both the cookies and icing.
• Egg (1, at room temperature): Binds everything together and contributes to a chewy middle.
• Old Fashioned Whole Rolled Oats (1 & ¼ cups): The star of the show! Make sure to use old fashioned oats for the best chewy texture — quick oats just won’t be the same.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The structuring ingredient, gives the cookies just enough body without being dense.
• Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon) & Pinch of Nutmeg: These two deliver cozy, nostalgic flavor that makes every bite feel like a hug.
• Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Helps your cookies spread and creates a beautiful golden edge.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Boosts all the sweet and spiced flavors.
• Powdered Sugar (¾ cup, for icing): The foundation of the dreamy sweet glaze.
• Milk (1½ tablespoons, for icing): Loosens up the icing to the ideal dipping consistency.

Variations

The beauty of Iced Oatmeal Cookies is how endlessly adaptable they are. Whether you’re baking for dietary preferences or simply switching things up based on your pantry, don’t be afraid to make them your own!

• Add raisins or chopped nuts: Give your cookies extra texture and old-school charm by adding a handful of raisins or toasted pecans to the dough.
• Spice it up: Try stirring in ginger, allspice, or even a dash of cardamom for a cozy, spiced twist.
• Go gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend — just be sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
• Dairy-free variation: Use vegan butter and any non-dairy milk for a treat that everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F — you want it nice and hot when those cookies go in! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your Iced Oatmeal Cookies bake up with perfectly golden bottoms and absolutely zero sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or sturdy hand mixer, cream your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy. This is what gives your cookies their irresistible soft, chewy texture! Mix in the egg and vanilla until the batter is pale and light — don’t rush this step, as it sets the tone for truly bakery-style cookies.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low (to avoid a flour “snowstorm”), add in the flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix just until everything is well combined — don’t over-mix, or your Iced Oatmeal Cookies could be tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Use a large cookie scoop to form 8 evenly sized dough balls and place them on your prepared sheet. Gently press down on each to about 1 inch thick. Bake for 10 minutes, keeping a good eye on them — you want edges set and centers a bit soft for that perfect gooey middle.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for at least 20 minutes (they’re still baking a bit from the tray’s heat!), then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely. This ensures the icing will set just right.

Step 6: Make and Dip the Icing

In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together — you want a thick, smooth, creamy glaze that’s still pourable. If it seems thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing, allow any excess to drip off, then set them back on a rack until the glaze is fully set and crackles slightly. That’s the magic of classic Iced Oatmeal Cookies!

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies

Garnishes

For a fun twist, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or a scant dusting of nutmeg over the wet icing before it sets. If you’re feeling festive, edible glitter or gold sprinkles add a playful sparkle to these classic cookies!

Side Dishes

Iced Oatmeal Cookies truly shine with a chilly glass of milk, a cozy mug of chai, or your favorite herbal tea. They also make a lovely companion to a fruit salad for brunch or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a cake stand with parchment between layers, package them in rustic tins for gifting, or arrange on a platter with fresh berries for a picture-perfect party treat — Iced Oatmeal Cookies are as charming as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your iced oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Stack them with parchment paper in between, so the pretty glaze stays pristine and doesn’t stick them together.

Freezing

Both the baked cookies (unglazed or glazed) and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully! For cookies, layer with parchment and freeze in a container for up to 2 months. For dough, scoop and freeze portions, then bake straight from frozen — just add an extra minute or two.

Reheating

If you’d like to serve them warm, pop a cookie (unglazed) in the microwave for 10-12 seconds. For reheating larger batches, a quick 2-3 minutes in a low oven (not more than 300°F) works wonders — but keep in mind that iced cookies taste best at room temp, with their glaze set to perfection.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about the humble Iced Oatmeal Cookie — soft, spiced, and covered with sweet glaze, it’s a treat that brings people together. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, share it with someone you love, and make a new tradition around this classic cookie. Happy baking!

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