Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Iced oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia to many of us. I remember baking these cookies with my grandmother on rainy afternoons, filling the kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of sweet molasses and spices. They are the perfect cookie to make for a cozy gathering, a bake sale, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. The combination of chewy oats and a sweet, creamy icing is what sets these cookies apart, making them a beloved classic for good reason.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these iced oatmeal cookies. For one, they’re incredibly easy to whip up with minimal ingredients, making them a great option for beginning bakers or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dessert. They’re also budget-friendly, using pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. And let’s not forget about kid-approved! These cookies are a fun treat for little hands to help mix, scoop, and ice.
“These iced oatmeal cookies remind me of my childhood! They’re soft, chewy, and the icing just takes them to the next level. Perfect for sharing, but I always end up keeping them all to myself!” – Sarah T., a happy home baker
The Cooking Process Explained
Making iced oatmeal cookies is a breeze. You’ll start by creaming together your sugars and butter for a rich base, then mix in wet ingredients to create a flavorful batter. Combine your dry ingredients separately before folding them into the mixture, ensuring a homogenous dough. Finally, drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and let the oven work its magic! The final touch is the sweet icing that takes these cookies from good to absolutely irresistible.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes the baking process smooth and easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Feel free to use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free rendition, or swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a lighter option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies, allowing it to set before serving. Enjoy your classic iced oatmeal cookies!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These iced oatmeal cookies can be enjoyed in many creative ways! They’re delightful on their own, but for a twist, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet dessert sandwich. Serve them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or pack them up neatly for a lunchbox surprise!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing your iced oatmeal cookies is simple to ensure you can enjoy them for days. After they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag where they can last for up to three months. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before indulging!
Helpful Cooking Tips
To achieve the best results, consider these helpful tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients; this will keep your cookies tender.
- For added flavor, try incorporating chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before baking.
Creative Twists
Feel like experimenting? Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add a teaspoon of ginger for a spicy kick.
- Throw in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Substitute maple syrup for molasses for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Your Questions Answered
-
What is the prep time for iced oatmeal cookies?
- Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes around 10-12 minutes.
-
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
-
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
-
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
- Chilling isn’t necessary, but if it’s too warm, you might find it easier to handle after a 30-minute chill in the fridge.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll bake a batch of iced oatmeal cookies that are bound to become a new favorite in your household. Happy baking!
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lighter option
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened, not melted
- 1/4 cup molasses Can be substituted with maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies, allowing it to set before serving.
