Get ready to experience sweet nostalgia in every bite with this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These classic cookies bring together hearty oats, warm spices, and a tender crumb, all finished with a delightful sweet glaze on top. Perfect for lunchboxes or cozy evenings with coffee, you’ll find yourself reaching for “just one more” every time you pass the cookie jar. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe captures all the old-fashioned magic you remember — or always wanted to try!

Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredient list; each element is a game-changer for the final flavor and texture! From the soft chew of oats to the fragrant spices and creamy glaze, every ingredient works together to create a batch of pure cookie joy.

Shortening: Lends a tender texture and keeps the cookies from spreading too much, so you get those classic chunky oatmeal mounds.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes that make these cookies especially rich.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness without overpowering the oats and spices.
Water: Helps bring the dough together for the perfect consistency.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm, comforting flavor of the cookies.
All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, making sure the cookies hold their shape.
Baking soda: Provides just the right lift for that classic hearty texture.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweet and accentuating the spices.
Nutmeg: Offers a subtle warmth that beautifully complements cinnamon and oats.
Cinnamon: Infuses every bite with cozy, fragrant spice.
Oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned): The star ingredient for that signature nubby texture and wholesome taste.
Milk: Blends into the glaze for a creamy, silky finish.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Makes the glaze extra smooth and easy to dip.
Water (as needed): Used in the glaze to reach that perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Shortening and Sugars

Begin by creaming together your shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Whip them until the mixture turns light and fully, which should only take a few minutes. This step helps create that pillowy-soft texture by adding air to the dough, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Spices

Beat in the water and vanilla extract next, making sure everything is thoroughly blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into your creamed base, mixing just until combined. This will ensure your cookies bake up tender and nicely flavored.

Step 3: Fold in the Oats

Gently stir in your quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats. You want to fold them in by hand until just distributed — overmixing at this point can make your cookies too dense. The oats add that signature chew and an inviting rustic look.

Step 4: Scoop and Prepare the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop (or a heaping tablespoon), drop the dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a little space, as they’ll spread slightly while baking. This guarantees evenly sized cookies with those characteristic craggy tops.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Slide your trays into a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and set, but the centers remain a touch soft. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack — this helps them set up perfectly.

Step 6: Mix up the Sweet Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, whip up that dreamy glaze! Stir together the milk and sifted powdered sugar in a bowl. Add water one teaspoon at a time until you reach a consistency that’s thick yet dippable. You want it to cling to the cookies without running off completely.

Step 7: Dip and Drip

Quickly dip the tops of fully cooled cookies into the glaze. Let any excess drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. As the glaze sets, you’ll get that perfect frosted finish that makes the Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe so irresistible!

How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing glaze is truly all these cookies need, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can be a beautiful touch. Sprinkle a few oat flakes over the wet icing for a rustic look that hints at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

Nothing goes better with the Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe than a big glass of cold milk or a hot mug of coffee. If you want to create a sweet treat platter, try adding fresh berries on the side or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert duo!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in a pretty tin or stack them on a vintage cake stand for a homey vibe. For gift-giving, package several cookies in cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon. These cookies also make adorable ice cream sandwich “shells” with a little scoop of your favorite frozen treat in the middle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The glaze helps seal in the moisture, so they’ll stay deliciously chewy. If stacking, place a piece of wax or parchment paper between layers to keep the icing beautiful.

Freezing

To freeze, lay cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight box. They’ll keep up to 3 months! For best results, freeze before glazing and add the icing after thawing, but you can freeze glazed cookies in a pinch.

Reheating

For that “just baked” experience, you can refresh cookies by popping them in a 300-degree oven for 3-4 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating and icing. The glaze will firm up as they cool, just like when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Absolutely! Butter will give the cookies a slightly richer flavor and a crisper edge. However, shortening keeps them extra soft and sturdy, just like classic Iced Oatmeal Cookies. It’s really up to your personal taste.

What type of oats work best?

Both quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats are great options for this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Old-fashioned oats will give a chewier, more rustic bite, while quick oats yield a finer texture. It’s delicious either way!

How do I get the glaze to set properly?

Let the cookies cool completely before dipping them in glaze, and resist the urge to stack them right away. Place them on a wire rack and allow the glaze to firm up at room temperature for that beautiful, crackled finish.

Can I add raisins or nuts?

Totally! Raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans are lovely additions and make for a more traditional oatmeal cookie variation. Just stir them in with the oats to keep things evenly mixed.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to use the right ratio of shortening to flour and chill the dough slightly if your kitchen is warm. Dropping the dough onto cool, lined baking sheets also helps them hold their shape and bake up thick and chewy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll love sharing and enjoying the Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe as much as my family and I do. There’s something so satisfying and old-school about staring at a tray of freshly glazed cookies, knowing you made every bit from scratch. Go ahead and treat yourself to this charming, classic bake — you may find yourself starting a new tradition!

Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe