Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe because it brings back those cozy, nostalgic vibes with every bite. When I first tried this recipe, I was mesmerized by how perfectly soft yet chewy the cookies turned out, studded with wholesome oats and kissed with a lovely cinnamon warmth. Plus, the icing on top adds just the right sweet touch that makes them feel extra special.

This recipe works wonderfully as an after-school treat, a casual snack with your afternoon tea, or even as a delightful cookie to share when friends drop by. You’ll find that making these cookies is straightforward, and they keep well—so you can make them ahead and enjoy them any time. Trust me, once you try this Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe plays a starring role to achieve the perfect balance of chewy, soft, and sweet. When you shop, look for quality oats and fresh baking essentials for the best results.

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: These oats hold their shape and texture better than instant oats, giving a hearty chew.
• All-purpose flour: A staple that gives structure; measure carefully to avoid dry cookies.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and keeps them light.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that’s classic in oatmeal cookies.
• Unsalted butter: Be sure to use softened butter for smooth mixing and rich flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and that hint of caramel sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar for a crisp edge.
• Large eggs: Use room temperature eggs to help with even mixing and texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely fragrant note.
• Confectioner’s sugar: For the icing, sifted for a smooth glaze.
• Milk: Added gradually to adjust icing consistency perfectly.

Variations

I love putting my little twist on this Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe — it’s super flexible and lets you get creative with what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or icing flavors to make it your own.

• Add-Ins: Sometimes I fold in raisins or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor; my family goes crazy for the added chewiness and crunch.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger can add a lovely depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and oats certified gluten-free for a safe, tasty twist.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and a plant-based milk for the icing to keep it dairy-free without losing flavor.

How to Make Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. I like to whisk them together to distribute everything evenly. Setting this mix aside gives you a simple stage to add your wet ingredients later without overmixing anything.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until it looks fluffy and well combined—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key for a light texture, so don’t rush it. I’ve learned that creaming the sugars well really impacts how tender the cookies feel at the end.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. I always use room temperature eggs here to help them blend smoothly without curdling the mixture. Beat on high for about a minute until it’s all incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gently

Gradually add the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients on the lowest setting. Be careful not to overmix—you want the dough just combined so the cookies stay tender. I discovered that leaving a few streaks of flour here and there doesn’t hurt and actually keeps the texture nice.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for 45 minutes. This step is game-changing, allowing the butter to firm up and the flavors to meld. Plus, it helps the cookies keep their shape better during baking, which I learned after one too many spread-out cookies!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie—spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. I love watching these edges develop—they signal perfectly baked cookies, chewy inside with just a crisp perimeter.

Step 7: Cooling and Icing

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 8-10 minutes—this helps them set without breaking. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely while you make the icing. For the icing, sift confectioner’s sugar into a bowl, add vanilla extract, and stir in milk tablespoon by tablespoon until you get a thick glaze. Dip the cooled cookie bottoms in the icing, let excess drip back, then set them right side up on the rack to dry for 15-30 minutes.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the classic icing glaze for these cookies, but sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted walnuts on top of the wet icing for a tasteful crunch and visual pop. It’s a little extra love that makes them feel special without complicating things.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a cold glass of milk. On cozy mornings, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to make a sweet-start dessert after breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these iced oatmeal cookies stacked in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper, accented with sprigs of fresh rosemary or dried orange slices. It makes an inviting display that guests always compliment—and it’s surprisingly simple to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I find they stay fresh and chewy for about 4-5 days—if they last that long! Be sure to layer them between parchment paper to protect the icing.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-iced dough balls wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months—then just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. I’ve also frozen iced cookies on a tray first, then transferred them to a container, and they keep beautifully without the icing melting.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm again, just pop the cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This warms them through without melting the icing too much. It always feels like a freshly baked treat all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with a bit of nostalgic charm that feels like a warm hug. I’m excited for you to try it out because these cookies are incredibly satisfying to make and even better to share. So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s bake some comforting, delicious memories together!

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