Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that oatmeal cookies hold a special place in your cookie-loving heart. But have you ever tried them with a glossy, sweet glaze on top? This Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it combines that chewy, hearty oat texture with a smooth, vanilla-scented icing that just elevates everything. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or whenever you want something a little extra with your cookie break.

What I love about this recipe is how approachable it is—you don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment. Plus, it’s easy to personalize, which I’ll share more about below. When you make this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, you’ll find that the balance of spices and that refreshing iced glaze make these cookies stand out without feeling too sweet or heavy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to give you the best texture and flavor—rolled oats add chewy goodness, while just the right dash of cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth. Be sure to get old fashioned rolled oats, as quick oats won’t give the same chewiness.

• Old fashioned rolled oats: Provides that classic chewy texture that defines the cookie.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure but keeps the cookies tender.
• Cornstarch: A little secret ingredient that helps make the cookies soft and delicate.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give the perfect rise and lightness.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon & ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and the signature cozy spice.
• Butter (softened): Use unsalted for control over salt, and make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Brown sugar & sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar helps with crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings sweetness and aroma to both dough and glaze.
• Powdered sugar: For that silky smooth glaze that hardens just right on top.
• Milk: To thin the glaze just enough for dipping.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. You can easily add your own flair to make these cookies uniquely yours.

• Raisin or chocolate chip add-ins: I often swap in raisins for a classic touch or chocolate chips when I want a sweeter treat; both work beautifully.
• Nutty crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans folded into the dough add a delightful texture my family really goes crazy for.
• Gluten-free swap: Try a gluten-free flour blend to make these safe for gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing taste.
• Skip the glaze: If you prefer them less sweet, the cookies without icing are wonderful on their own or dusted with cinnamon sugar.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oats and Dry Ingredients

I like to pulse the old fashioned oats in my food processor about 10-12 times until I get a mix of finely ground and larger oat bits—that way, you still get that great oat texture without big, crunchy chunks. Next, whisk together your oats, flour, cornstarch, baking powder and soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures even distribution of flavors and raising agents.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream softened butter with brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes on high speed. This step is key for tender cookies because it aerates the butter. When I first tried skipping this step, the texture was noticeably different.

Step 3: Add Egg and Combine Dry Ingredients

Lower your mixer speed and add the egg, mixing until just combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix only until incorporated. The dough will be soft, which is totally normal. To make shaping easier and prevent sticky fingers, I like to refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes—trust me, it makes life so much easier!

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats using a standard cookie scoop for uniform size. Bake at 350°F for 10-14 minutes—if you like crispier edges, go for the full 14 minutes like I do. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make and Apply the Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. When the cookies are fully cooled, dip their tops in the glaze and swirl gently to remove excess. Let the glaze set at room temperature, about 30 minutes. The glaze hardens just enough to give that satisfying sweet snap I adore.

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a fan of keeping the glaze simple, but if you want to dress your cookies up, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of ground cinnamon on the glaze before it sets. It adds a rustic look and extra flavor that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or your favorite coffee. For a special occasion, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve arranged iced oatmeal cookies in a tiered cookie stand or sandwiched two of them with cream cheese frosting for a fun twist. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover iced oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Storing them with a slice of bread helps keep them soft, which I discovered by accident but now always do.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well without the glaze. I freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and add the glaze fresh—that way the icing doesn’t get sticky or crack.

Reheating

To bring out that just-baked freshness, I pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 3-4 minutes. The glaze holds up well, but watch so you don’t melt it too much!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want that cozy, homemade cookie with a little something extra. It’s straightforward but yields such delicious results that I find myself making it again and again, sharing with family and friends who always ask for the recipe. If you love oatmeal cookies and want to try something that strikes the perfect balance between chewy and sweet, give this recipe a go – I promise you’ll be glad you did!

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