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If you want a soft, chewy cookie with a simple sweet topping, these iced oatmeal treats hit the spot perfectly. They're quick to whip up and bring a cozy, old-school vibe to your snack time.
I first tried these on a slow Sunday and they quickly became my easy homemade favorite whenever I want a fuss-free sweet.
What You Need
- Brown sugar: packed tightly for moisture and that rich caramel flavor that pairs well with oats
- Milk: helps the glaze set smoothly—whole milk works best for creaminess
- Vanilla extract: gives a bright pop that lifts the whole cookie
- Water: used both in the dough and to thin the glaze just right
- Salt: balances all the sweetness and flavors in the cookie
- Oats: quick or old fashioned will give you that chewy hearty bite
- Powdered sugar: creates a smooth glaze that sets fast and looks shiny
- Nutmeg and cinnamon: warm, cozy spices that make the cookie feel like home
- All-purpose flour: gives just enough structure without making the cookie heavy
- Shortening: softens the texture and creates a tender crumb; make sure it’s soft at room temperature for easy mixing
- Baking soda: helps the cookies puff up nicely without becoming cakey
Steps To Finish
- Mix the Soft Base:
- Start by beating the softened shortening with both sugars until the mix is puckery and light. This traps air for a soft, chewy cookie. Don’t rush—room temp shortening really helps smooth the mix.
- Combine Flavors and Flour:
- Next, add water and vanilla until everything's blended. In another bowl, stir flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mix into the creamy base, stirring gently so the spices and leavening spread evenly and your cookie rises just right.
- Mix in the Oats:
- Fold the oats in carefully so the dough stays light, making sure each cookie gets that perfect chewy texture.
- Drop and Space Dough:
- Use a medium scoop or spoon to drop dough globs onto greased baking sheets, leaving some room between each one for spreading.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Pop them into a 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges with a nice golden color and a slightly soft center. Let the cookies chill on the pan for two minutes before moving to a rack so they don’t break.
- Whip Up the Glaze:
- While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add water teaspoon by teaspoon until you get a glaze thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still flowy.
- Dip and Shine:
- Quickly dunk the tops of the cooled cookies in the glaze. Let the extra drip off back into the bowl for a glossy, sweet finish that sets up nicely.
Cinnamon really shines here, giving a warm fall vibe that pairs so well with the rich sugar flavors. Baking these with my grandma always made the kitchen smell amazing.
Keeping Them Fresh
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temp to stay soft for up to five days. If they get a bit firm, zap them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The glaze might crack a bit but the flavor stays spot on.
Swaps And Twists
Swap half the shortening for butter for extra richness but your cookies might get a bit crispier. Try maple syrup instead of vanilla for a sweet twist. Switch the spices out for pumpkin pie mix or toss in raisins for a chewy bite.
How To Serve
Enjoy these with hot chai tea or cold milk for a cozy combo. Right after glazing, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for a little crunch. Fresh fruit or yogurt also makes a great side for a balanced snack.
These classic iced oatmeal treats are timeless. Once you get the hang of the easy glaze, they'll turn into a favorite that brings back warm memories with every bite.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which oats work best here?
You can pick quick or old-fashioned oats. Quick oats make the cookies softer, and old-fashioned oats give them more bite.
- → Can I throw in nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely, adding chopped nuts or raisins gives extra flavor and a nice texture boost.
- → How do I get the glaze just right?
Mix powdered sugar with milk first, then stir in water slowly, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s smooth enough to dip the cookies.
- → What’s the secret for soft cookies?
Use quick oats and make sure to whip the shortening and sugars well for soft, tender cookies.
- → How long should they bake?
Bake at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden. Take them out and cool them a bit before adding the glaze.