Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Old fashioned iced oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves. With our Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, you can create crispy and chewy cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a school party or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies will surely impress. The creamy vanilla icing adds a special touch, making them irresistible and fun to share.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of oats, warm spices, and creamy icing creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any occasion—snack time, dessert after dinner, or even as a lunchbox surprise.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crispy edges and chewy centers in every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Cookie sheet
- Medium cookie scoop
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl gives you enough space to cream your ingredients together without spilling.
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy texture quickly, saving you time and effort.
- Cookie sheet: A good-quality cookie sheet ensures even baking, resulting in perfectly golden-brown cookies.
- Wire rack: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients
Old fashioned iced oatmeal cookies are the perfect after-school treat with a glass of milk. Use our iced oatmeal cookie recipe to create crispy and chewy cookies that are dipped in a creamy vanilla icing.
For the Cookies
- 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 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 cups oats (quick cooking or old-fashioned)
For the Icing
- 4 T milk
- 2 C powdered sugar (sifted)
- Water (as needed)
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Shortening and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in water and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture while mixing well.
Step 4: Fold in Oats
Fold in oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Drop dough onto greased baking sheets using a medium cookie scoop.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cookies to stand for 2 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool.
Step 7: Prepare the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by stirring together milk and powdered sugar. Gradually add water, one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Dip Cookies in Glaze
Quickly dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, allowing excess icing to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack.
Enjoy your delicious iced oatmeal cookies!
How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These delightful iced oatmeal cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s an after-school snack or a treat for guests, they can be served in a variety of ways.
With a Glass of Milk
- Milk pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their creamy icing and providing a refreshing contrast.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange iced oatmeal cookies alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for an inviting dessert spread.
On a Picnic
- Pack these cookies in your picnic basket. Their sturdy texture makes them easy to transport and enjoy outdoors.
For a Cozy Movie Night
- Serve these cookies with popcorn and hot cocoa for a fun movie night treat that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
To ensure your iced oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise and texture.
- Sift powdered sugar: This helps prevent lumps in your icing, giving it a smooth finish.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies; remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden to maintain chewiness.
- Let cookies cool completely: Cooling the cookies fully before glazing prevents the icing from melting off.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the nutmeg and cinnamon to suit your taste preferences for added flavor.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These iced oatmeal cookies can be complemented by a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavor and make for a satisfying meal.
-
Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies. -
Cheese Platter
Include mild cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta that pair well with the sweet glaze. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delicious contrast to the cookies’ sweetness. -
Nut Mix
A selection of roasted nuts provides crunch and healthy fats that complement the soft texture of the cookies. -
Hot Chocolate
This warm beverage enhances the flavors while creating a cozy experience with each bite. -
Tea Selection
Offer a variety of herbal teas that can pair beautifully with the spiced notes of the iced oatmeal cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect iced oatmeal cookies can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Boldly skip ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistencies in your cookies. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Boldly ignore room temperature: Using shortening that isn’t at room temperature may affect how well it creams with sugars. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Boldly overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Boldly crowd the baking sheet: Placing too many cookies on one sheet can lead to uneven baking. Space them out to allow for proper air circulation.
- Boldly forget cooling time: Removing cookies from the oven too early will result in a soft texture. Allow them to cool on the wire rack as instructed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store iced oatmeal cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft again.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm, but do not overdo it or they may become tough.
- Stovetop: Warm cookies on low heat in a skillet, covered, for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions commonly asked about this iced oatmeal cookies recipe.
What makes these iced oatmeal cookies special?
These iced oatmeal cookies have a unique combination of crispy edges and chewy centers, topped with a creamy vanilla glaze that enhances their flavor.
Can I customize my iced oatmeal cookies recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to give your iced oatmeal cookies a personal touch.
How long do iced oatmeal cookies last?
When stored properly, iced oatmeal cookies will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in cookie recipes for those needing gluten-free options.
How do I make my icing thicker?
To achieve a thicker icing, simply reduce the amount of water you add when mixing with powdered sugar. Adjust until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This iced oatmeal cookies recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. The combination of crispy and chewy textures pairs perfectly with the creamy icing, making it an irresistible treat. Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins or toppings and enjoy them any time of year!
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Indulge in the delightful experience of our Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, perfect for any occasion. These old-fashioned cookies combine crispy edges with chewy centers and are generously topped with a creamy vanilla icing that elevates their appeal. Easy to make and customizable, they can be enjoyed as an after-school treat, a dessert at gatherings, or simply as a cozy snack on a rainy afternoon. Whether paired with a glass of milk or served alongside fruit, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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)
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in water and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; gradually add to the creamed mixture while mixing well.
- Fold in oats until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto greased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown; let stand for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
- While cooling, prepare icing by mixing milk and powdered sugar; adjust consistency with water as needed.
- Dip cooled cookies in icing and let them set on the wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
