Who doesn’t love a good cookie, right? If you’re craving something classic yet unique, look no further than Iced Oatmeal Cookies. This is the ultimate comfort dessert, blending the wholesome, hearty texture of oats with a smooth, sweet icing on top. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again! Now, let’s get into the details of how to make these delicious treats.
Ingredients for the Best Iced Oatmeal Cookies
To make these mouth-watering Iced Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll need some pantry staples. This recipe is as simple as it is satisfying, and you can likely find most of these ingredients right in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Old-fashioned oats | 2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| White sugar | ½ cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Whole milk | 2 tbsp |
| Powdered sugar (for icing) | 1 cup |
Directions to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Iced Oatmeal Cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. While the oven is warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Now, let’s get those oats ready! Place your old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender, and pulse them a few times. You want the oats to break down slightly but still retain some texture. This step is key in achieving that chewy, rustic feel that makes these cookies so iconic.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for the cookies to rise properly and taste balanced.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in your egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. These wet ingredients are the backbone of your cookie dough, giving it that rich, sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the hearty oats.
Step 4: Combine and Chill the Dough
Slowly mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, followed by your prepared oats. Once everything is combined, cover the dough and let it chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This not only makes the dough easier to handle but also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
Baking Your Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Once your dough has had time to chill, scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave enough space between each cookie. You don’t want them sticking together as they bake!
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Making the Icing for Iced Oatmeal Cookies
While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The icing should be thick but still spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, and if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the tops. The beauty of Iced Oatmeal Cookies is that the icing hardens slightly as it sets, giving each bite a delightful crunch before melting into the soft, chewy cookie.
Why You’ll Love These Iced Oatmeal Cookies
- Wholesome Ingredients: With old-fashioned oats as a base, these cookies are packed with fiber and nutrients. They’re a feel-good dessert that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies strike the perfect balance between fancy and homey. Whether it’s for a family get-together or just a cozy evening treat, these Iced Oatmeal Cookies are sure to be a hit.
- Customizable: Want to take them up a notch? Add a handful of raisins, chocolate chips, or even a dash of nutmeg for some extra flavor complexity.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookies
1. Skipping the Chilling Step
This is a common misstep, but skipping the chilling process will make your cookies spread too much during baking. Always allow the dough to rest and chill. It makes a huge difference!
2. Not Grinding the Oats Enough
If you don’t pulse the oats a few times, your cookies will end up too chunky and may not bind well. Grinding them just a bit helps maintain that chewy texture while ensuring they still hold together beautifully.
3. Over-Baking
It can be tempting to leave the cookies in until they’re dark brown, but be careful! Iced Oatmeal Cookies should be slightly under-baked when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, leaving you with that soft, chewy texture everyone loves.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Q: What happened to Mother’s iced oatmeal cookies?
A: Mother’s Iced Oatmeal Cookies, a nostalgic favorite, disappeared from shelves for a short time in 2008 when the company that made them, Mother’s Cookies, declared bankruptcy. Fortunately, they made a comeback after the brand was purchased by the Kellogg Company. You can now find them in grocery stores nationwide, still offering the same sweet, iced, crunchy delight.
Q: What are oatmeal cookies made of?
A: Oatmeal cookies typically contain a blend of old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, butter, sugar (usually a mix of brown and white), eggs, and vanilla extract. Some variations include add-ins like raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips, and they can be topped with a sweet icing for extra flavor.
Q: Why do oatmeal cookies taste so good?
A: The rich, hearty flavor of oats combined with sweeteners like brown sugar and cinnamon gives oatmeal cookies their comforting, homey taste. The chewy texture of oats paired with buttery dough creates a delicious contrast that pleases the palate, while additional ingredients like raisins or icing add to the complexity of flavors.
Q: How should oatmeal cookies be stored?
A: To keep oatmeal cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will typically stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed container or ziplock bag for up to three months. If frozen, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well!
Q: Can I replace the egg?
A: Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp water) or a mashed banana for a vegan option.
Q: Why did my icing melt off?
A: It sounds like you iced your cookies before they cooled. Let them cool completely to ensure the icing stays beautifully crackly!
Variations of Iced Oatmeal Cookies
While the classic version is hard to beat, you can get creative with your Iced Oatmeal Cookies in a few simple ways:
- Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Amp up the warmth by adding a touch of nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom to the dough.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a sweeter twist, drizzle some melted chocolate over the icing or stir in white chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
If you’re a fan of oats and cookies, you might also enjoy Karen’s recipe for Banana Bread Without Baking Soda—a delicious way to use up ripe bananas while sticking to a wholesome, hearty treat.
Conclusion: Iced Oatmeal Cookies—A Must-Try Classic
There’s something magical about a fresh batch of Iced Oatmeal Cookies. The combination of warm oats, aromatic cinnamon, and that irresistible icing is enough to make anyone fall in love. Plus, with the added health benefits of oats, they’re a slightly more nutritious cookie option. What are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get baking!
And if you want to continue on your baking journey, why not try Karen’s S’mores cookies recipe? It’s the perfect complement to your cookie adventure!