Soft & Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies: An Old-Fashioned Recipe for Irresistible Treats
There’s something uniquely comforting about a batch of **Soft & Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies**. These delightful treats, crafted with wholesome oats, rich butter, and sweet brown sugar, are baked to perfection and then crowned with a simple, sweet icing. Reminiscent of the classic, old-fashioned oatmeal cookies cherished by generations, this homemade recipe elevates a beloved staple into an irresistible indulgence. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and warm, inviting flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and pure satisfaction.
These **Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies** are a lovingly homemade rendition of the store-bought varieties we all know, but infinitely superior. Crafting them from scratch ensures a freshness and depth of flavor that simply can’t be matched, and the delicate glaze provides the perfect sweet counterpoint. The enchanting combination of hearty oats, fragrant cinnamon, and luscious brown sugar creates truly delicious **soft oatmeal cookies** that are guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are a rewarding and delightful project.
Homemade Iced Oatmeal Cookies: A Timeless Treat
Embracing the joy of baking from scratch brings unparalleled rewards, and homemade iced oatmeal cookies are no exception. Far surpassing any store-bought alternative, these cookies boast a superior texture, richer flavor, and the wholesome goodness that only fresh ingredients can provide. They are perfect for virtually any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a festive holiday celebration, or simply a comforting afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. With just a few common pantry ingredients and a minimal time commitment, anyone can effortlessly whip up a batch of these delectable treats.
Beyond their delightful taste, these cookies also offer a slightly more nutritious option compared to many traditional desserts. Oats, the star ingredient, are renowned for being an excellent source of dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. This makes iced oatmeal cookies a smart choice for those seeking a balance between a sweet indulgence and a more mindful snack. Their rustic charm and inviting aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth, making the baking process as enjoyable as the eating experience. Don’t hesitate to give this must-try recipe a whirl; it’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to leave a lasting impression and bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Why You Will Absolutely Love This Iced Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a revelation. Here’s why these soft and chewy iced oatmeal cookies will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection:
- The Texture is Pure Perfection: Prepare for a truly delightful mouthfeel. These cookies are wonderfully soft and tender in the center, yet possess a satisfying chewiness throughout, complemented by a subtle, pleasant crunch from the oats. This intricate blend of textures creates an engaging and enjoyable experience for your taste buds, making each bite an adventure. It’s a texture that balances comfort with substance.
- An Explosion of Amazing Flavor: Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the exquisite taste profile of these cookies. The warm notes of cinnamon, the rich sweetness of brown sugar, and the comforting aroma of vanilla extract come together to create a deeply comforting and inviting flavor. This combination is perfect for any season or celebration. The sweet, delicate icing draped over the cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness that flawlessly complements and enhances the spiced cookie base, making them utterly irresistible.
- Incredible Versatility: These cookies are remarkably adaptable and suitable for various roles. Serve them as an elegant dessert at a dinner party, a wholesome-yet-sweet snack during the day, or pair them with your morning coffee or evening tea. They are also ideal for sharing with loved ones, making them a fantastic option for potlucks, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their universal appeal ensures they’ll be a hit with everyone.
Essential Iced Oatmeal Cookie Ingredients
Crafting the perfect soft and chewy iced oatmeal cookie starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:
Oats: You’ll need 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats. These are lightly ground in a food processor, just pulsed a few times until they form a coarse mix, not a fine flour. This crucial step provides the cookies with their signature amazing texture and hearty, wholesome taste, ensuring that satisfying chew without being too chunky.
Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour serve as the fundamental structural base of this cookie recipe. It provides the necessary gluten development and body to hold all the ingredients together, resulting in a perfectly tender crumb.
Baking powder: Just ½ teaspoon of baking powder is essential for giving the cookies a gentle lift and a slightly airy texture as they bake, preventing them from being too dense.
Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon infuse these cookies with a beautifully warm and aromatic spice in every single bite. Cinnamon is a classic pairing with oats and brown sugar, contributing significantly to that beloved “old-fashioned” flavor.
Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) of salted butter, softened to room temperature, is key for rich-tasting and wonderfully soft cookies. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air and creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar contributes to the overall sweetness and also helps with the cookie’s spread and crispness around the edges, balancing the deeper flavors.
Brown sugar: 1 cup of **packed brown sugar** is vital for imparting a wonderful depth of caramel-like flavor and a moist, chewy texture to these cookies. Its molasses content reacts with the other ingredients to create that irresistible chewiness.
Vanilla extract: For an even more incredible and complex flavor profile, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is added to the cookie batter. Vanilla enhances all the other sweet and spicy notes.
Eggs: 2 large eggs act as a crucial binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together and adding moisture, richness, and structure to the cookie dough.
For the Simple Sweet Icing
Powdered sugar: 2 cups of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) form the base for an amazing, smooth, and sweet-tasting frosting that coats the cookies beautifully.
Milk: 1 ½ tablespoons of milk are used to achieve the perfect consistency for the icing, making it dippable yet thick enough to adhere to the cookies.
Water: An additional 1 tablespoon of water helps to further thin out the icing to that ideal glaze-like texture, ensuring it sets nicely without being too opaque or heavy.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Follow these detailed steps to create a batch of perfect soft and chewy iced oatmeal cookies:
Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your dough is ready, preventing uneven baking. Next, prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set these prepared sheets aside. Now, take your 2 cups of old-fashioned oats and place them into a food processor. Pulse the oats a few times. The goal here is not to grind them into a fine flour, but rather to break them down slightly into a coarse, textured mix. This enhances the cookie’s texture without making it too lumpy.
Crafting the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the slightly ground oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk these together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Set this dry mixture aside. In a separate, larger bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably pale in color – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture. Next, beat in the vanilla extract and then add the two eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Finally, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Baking to Perfection
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop or by hand, roll portions of the dough into uniform balls. Place these cookie balls onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Gently press down lightly on the top of each cookie ball with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon. This helps ensure even baking and that classic flat-bottomed cookie shape. Place the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. It is absolutely crucial for the cookies to be entirely cool before icing.
Preparing and Applying the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the sweet glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and water until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding a tiny bit more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or a few drops more milk/water if it’s too thick. Once the cookies are completely cool (this is vital to prevent the icing from melting), take each cookie and gently dip its top into the prepared glaze. Allow any excess icing to drip off briefly, then place the iced cookies back onto the cooling rack or a clean sheet of parchment paper to set. Let the glaze harden for approximately 10 minutes, or until it’s firm to the touch. Once set, your incredible iced oatmeal cookies are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Customization Options for Your Perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookies
While the classic Soft & Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies are delicious on their own, this recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few creative ideas to personalize your batch:
- Introduce Nuts for Extra Crunch: For those who enjoy a nutty dimension, chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be a fantastic addition. Simply fold about ½ to 1 cup of your chosen chopped nuts into the cookie dough during the final mixing stage, just before baking. This adds a lovely textural contrast and a rich, earthy flavor.
- Experiment with Diverse Spices: While cinnamon is the traditional and beloved spice for oatmeal cookies, don’t be afraid to venture out. Consider adding ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a pinch of ground ginger, or even a dash of cardamom to the dough along with the cinnamon. These spices can introduce a unique, warm, and sophisticated twist to the classic recipe. A mix of “pumpkin pie spice” can also work wonders!
- Innovate with Icing Flavors and Colors: The simple vanilla icing is a perfect canvas for creativity. Try swapping out a portion of the milk with freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice for a zesty glaze. Almond extract or peppermint extract can replace vanilla for a different aromatic profile. For special occasions or themes, incorporate a few drops of food coloring into the icing to match your desired aesthetic.
- Make Them Gluten-Free: Adapting this recipe for those with gluten sensitivities is straightforward. Simply substitute the regular all-purpose flour with a high-quality, 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results). It’s also crucial to use certified **gluten-free oats**, as traditional oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that handle wheat, leading to cross-contamination.
- Tailor the Sweetness: Everyone has a different preference for sweetness. If you find the cookies too sweet, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar by ¼ cup without significantly impacting the texture. Conversely, if you desire an even sweeter cookie, you may add an additional ¼ cup of brown sugar to the dough for a richer, more pronounced sweetness. Remember, the icing also adds a considerable amount of sugar, so taste your dough before making drastic changes.
Soft & Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies
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Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats lightly ground in the food processor
- 2 cups flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup salted butter softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ TBSP milk
- 1 TBSP water
Instructions
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Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Place your oats in a food processor and pulse a few times. You are not looking to grind these fine, just making them a coarse mix.
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Dough: Stir together the oats, flour, baking powder and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
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In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Next fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
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Bake: Roll 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough into a ball. Place the cookie balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and press down lightly.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes.
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Remove from oven and cool completely on a cooling rack.
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Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and water. Dip the cookie tops into the glaze and place aside to set. Let the glaze harden about 10 minutes until set. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Are Oatmeal Cookies a Healthy Snack Option?
When considering whether iced oatmeal cookies can be classified as a “healthy” snack, it’s important to approach this with a balanced perspective. While it’s true that the presence of sugar and butter means they aren’t a low-calorie health food, oats themselves are a nutritional powerhouse. Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which is known to help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels, and promote digestive health. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and B vitamins. Therefore, while iced oatmeal cookies should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, they do offer some nutritional benefits that other cookies might lack.
For those looking to make these treats a slightly healthier option, there are several modifications you can consider. Reducing the amount of granulated sugar by a quarter or even a third can cut down on overall sugar content without sacrificing too much sweetness, especially with the icing. Substituting a portion of the butter (e.g., half) with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas can significantly reduce the fat content and add natural moisture and nutrients. You could also experiment with whole wheat flour in place of some all-purpose flour for an extra fiber boost. Ultimately, portion control is key. Enjoying one or two of these delicious cookies as an occasional treat is a perfectly reasonable way to indulge while still maintaining a mindful diet.
Optimal Storage Tips for Iced Oatmeal Cookies
To ensure your delicious Soft & Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, proper storage is key. If stored correctly at room temperature, these cookies can maintain their delightful texture and flavor for up to a week. However, if you wish to savor them for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Here are some detailed tips for storing your cookies:
- Ensure Complete Cooling: This is a critical first step. Before attempting to store any cookies, especially iced ones, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Storing warm cookies in an airtight container will trap moisture, leading to condensation, which can make them soggy, cause the icing to melt, and potentially encourage mold growth.
- Utilize Airtight Containers: Once fully cooled, transfer the cookies to an airtight container. This prevents exposure to air and moisture, which are the primary culprits behind stale or dry cookies. A good seal will lock in their freshness and help maintain their soft and chewy texture for days. You can layer them between sheets of parchment paper if stacking multiple layers.
- Freezing for Long-Term Enjoyment: For longer storage, freezing is ideal. After the cookies are completely cooled and the icing is fully set and hardened, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date. Frozen cookies can be safely stored for up to three months, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or last-minute treats.
- Proper Thawing Technique: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and place them on a plate or wire rack at room temperature. Allow them to thaw completely, which typically takes about 1-2 hours, before serving. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this can make them tough or rubbery.
By diligently following these storage tips, you can extend the shelf life of your Soft & Chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies, ensuring that each bite is as delicious as the day they were baked, without compromising their irresistible texture and flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Oatmeal Cookies
Even experienced bakers can encounter a few common hiccups when making iced oatmeal cookies. Don’t worry, most problems have simple solutions. Here’s how to troubleshoot some frequent issues:
- Cookies are Too Flat and Spread Out: This is a common complaint, and several factors can contribute to excessive spreading. First, ensure your butter is genuinely at room temperature – soft enough to indent with your finger, but not melted or greasy. Melted butter will cause the cookies to spread excessively. Secondly, accurately measure your flour; too little flour means less structure. Using too much baking soda instead of baking powder can also cause over-spreading. Lastly, overmixing the dough develops too much gluten, which can also lead to flatter cookies. A great preventative measure is to chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or even up to an hour) before baking; the cold fat will prevent rapid spreading in the hot oven, helping the cookies hold their shape.
- Cookies are Too Hard or Crispy: If you’re aiming for soft and chewy but end up with hard or crispy cookies, overbaking is the most likely culprit. Always set a timer and check your cookies promptly. They should be lightly golden brown around the edges and still look slightly underdone and puffy in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Another reason could be an imbalance in the wet-to-dry ingredient ratio, perhaps too much flour or not enough liquid (like eggs or butter) in the dough. Ensure you’re measuring ingredients precisely, especially flour, which should be spooned into the measuring cup and leveled, not scooped directly.
- Icing is Too Runny or Too Thick: Achieving the perfect icing consistency is key for a beautiful glaze. If your icing is too runny, it won’t coat the cookies properly and will drip right off. The simplest fix is to gradually whisk in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. Conversely, if your icing is too thick and difficult to dip, it will look clumpy and opaque. To thin it out, add a few drops of milk or water at a time, whisking well after each addition until you achieve a smooth, pourable, yet coating consistency. Remember, patience is a virtue here; small additions make a big difference. Also, always ensure your cookies are completely cool before icing them; warm cookies will melt the icing and create a sticky mess.
Explore More of Our Favorite Oatmeal Cookie Recipes Here:
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting taste of oatmeal cookies, you’ll be delighted to discover the many variations you can create. Oats provide a fantastic base for an array of flavors and additions. Don’t stop at just iced! Give these other fantastic oatmeal cookie recipes a try and expand your baking repertoire:
- FIVE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES
- BLACKBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
- M&M OATMEAL COOKIES
- APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL COOKIES
- WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
- PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- LEMON OATMEAL COOKIES
- OATMEAL CHERRY CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- CINNAMON OATMEAL COOKIES
- CARAMEL APPLE OATMEAL COOKIES
- APPLE PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES
- BEST EVER OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES
These incredibly **soft & chewy Iced Oatmeal Cookies** are truly a testament to classic baking, made with fundamental ingredients like rich butter, all-purpose flour, wholesome oats, and flavorful brown sugar, all brought together with a delicate, sweet icing. Whether served as a comforting dessert after a meal or a delightful snack with a beverage, these **Iced Oatmeal Cookies** are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone in your family and among your friends is sure to enjoy. Their timeless appeal and irresistible taste make them a perfect addition to any baking repertoire.
