Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for classic cookies with a twist of delightful glaze, this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to bake today. These cookies bring together the hearty chewiness of oats, the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a luscious, sweet icing that adds a perfect finishing touch. They’re comfort food meets celebration, offering a texture and flavor blend that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this recipe never fails to impress with its simplicity and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, combining simple pantry staples to create something truly special. From the rich brown sugar adding depth and moisture, to the cinnamon and nutmeg creating that nostalgic spice harmony, each component is essential.
- 3/4 cup shortening: Helps create a tender, moist cookie with a delicate crumb.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and chewiness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness.
- 1/4 cup water: Moisturizes the batter for better mixing and texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for your cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft center.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Brings a cozy warmth and subtle earthiness.
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the cookie with that classic spiced oatmeal cookie essence.
- 2 cups oats (quick cooking or old fashioned): Adds a hearty chew and wholesome texture.
- 4 tablespoons milk: Used in the glaze to create a silky sweetness.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted): The key ingredient for a smooth, glossy icing.
- Water (as needed): Adjusts glaze consistency for the perfect dip.
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Shortening and Sugars
Start by beating the shortening with both brown and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, which results in tender yet slightly crisp cookies. The creamy texture you achieve here sets the foundation for the entire batch.
Step 2: Add Water and Vanilla
Next, beat in the water and vanilla extract. Adding the water gradually moistens the mixture, ensuring the dough holds together beautifully without being too dense. Vanilla extract adds that subtle, comforting aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Combine and Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually blend this spiced flour mixture into the creamed shortening and sugar base, mixing well after each addition. This careful mixing prevents overworking the dough while ensuring all those warm flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Fold in the Oats
Fold the oats gently into the dough. Whether you choose quick cooking or old-fashioned oats, this step is where the texture starts to shine. The oats provide that signature chewiness that makes these cookies unmistakably delicious.
Step 5: Drop and Bake
Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough onto greased baking sheets, spacing them so they have room to spread. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will have you eagerly waiting to taste!
Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a slightly runny but thick consistency perfect for dipping. Quickly dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before setting them down.
Step 7: Let the Icing Set
Allow the glazed cookies to rest so the icing hardens just enough to give a delicate, sweet crunch when you bite in. This finishing touch elevates the humble oatmeal cookie into something truly special and memorable.
How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on the glaze while it’s still wet. You can also add finely chopped nuts or tiny bits of dried fruit on top for an extra burst of flavor and color. These small details turn your cookies into a treat that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
These Iced Oatmeal Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, rich coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They also complement fresh fruit or yogurt, making them a lovely addition to brunch or an afternoon snack tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter edged with fresh berries and mint leaves. For parties, stack them in a tiered cookie stand or wrap them individually in parchment with colorful ribbons for charming edible gifts. These little touches make your Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe feel like a truly special homemade treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and fresh flavor. They will stay delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy this treat without any rush to eat them all at once.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies longer, you can freeze them after they’ve completely cooled and the glaze has set. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Iced Oatmeal Cookies will keep well for about two months, letting you bake in advance for holiday gatherings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth after storage or freezing, pop your cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens the cookie and refreshes the glaze’s delicate sheen, almost like just pulled from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Absolutely! Butter will add a richer flavor and slightly crisper edges, but keep in mind your dough might spread a bit more during baking. You may want to chill the dough slightly before scooping to manage spreading.
What type of oats works best for this recipe?
Both quick cooking and old-fashioned oats work wonderfully. Old-fashioned oats offer a chewier texture, while quick oats create a slightly softer cookie. Choose based on your texture preference!
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny but thick enough to coat the cookie without running off completely. Adjust by adding water a teaspoon at a time until you get that perfect dip consistency.
Can I add raisins or nuts to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Adding raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips can personalize your Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe wonderfully. Just fold them in during the oatmeal addition step.
How long does the glaze take to set?
The glaze typically sets within 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making these Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe from scratch—each bite feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. The balance of hearty oats, cozy spices, and that irresistible icing creates a cookie experience you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Give this recipe a go, and trust me, these cookies will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Iced Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a sweet, smooth powdered sugar glaze, they make the perfect treat for any occasion. Quick to prepare and bake, these cookies offer a comforting blend of oats and brown sugar flavors with a delightful iced finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups oats (quick cooking or old fashioned)
Glaze
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- Water (as needed, 1 teaspoon increments)
Instructions
- Cream the fats and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated and the texture is smooth.
- Add liquids and dry ingredients: Beat in the water and vanilla extract until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed shortening and sugars, mixing well to form a consistent dough.
- Fold in oats: Gently fold in the oats into the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout without overmixing the dough.
- Shape cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto greased baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them stand for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by stirring together the milk and sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, to reach a thick but dip-friendly glazing consistency.
- Ice the cookies: Quickly dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off back into the bowl.
- Set the glaze: Place the iced cookies back on the wire rack and allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can use either quick cooking or old-fashioned oats based on your texture preference.
- Ensure the powdered sugar is sifted for a smooth glaze without lumps.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less water; for a thinner glaze, add more water gradually.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute shortening with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk in the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: iced oatmeal cookies, oatmeal cookies recipe, iced cookies, quick oatmeal cookies, spiced cookies, glazed cookies
