Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Iced Oatmeal Cookies: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat
Who can resist the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house? The sweet scent that beckons us to the kitchen, where mouthwatering treats await. Among the vast array of cookie options, one classic stands out – iced oatmeal cookies. These delectable delights are a perfect combination of chewy, flavorful oats and a sweet, creamy icing that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a cookie connoisseur or just a casual baker, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love these iced oatmeal cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. Secondly, these cookies offer a delightful combination of textures – the crisp edges and soft centers create a satisfying contrast that will leave you craving more.
Furthermore, these cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional sugary treats. The oats provide a wholesome dose of fiber and nutrients, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack or a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies have got you covered.
Ingredients
To whip up a batch of these heavenly iced oatmeal cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For the icing:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Optional: You can add 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the raisins or chopped nuts.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag.
- Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top of the icing before it sets.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your iced oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create the ideal texture for the cookies.
- Chill the dough before baking. This step allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the oats in a food processor a few times before adding them to the cookie dough.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Variations and Substitutions
While these iced oatmeal cookies are already incredibly delicious on their own, you can always get creative and customize them to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions to consider:
- Swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a fruity twist.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- For a chocolatey twist, mix in a half cup of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the icing.
- Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These iced oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments for a more indulgent treat. Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of tea, or alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
For a charming dessert presentation, serve these cookies on a decorative platter or wrap them up in a cute box with a ribbon to give as a homemade gift.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a resealable bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired amount of dough balls from the freezer, let them thaw for a few minutes, and bake as directed.
Q: How do I store the baked cookies?
A: Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make gluten-free iced oatmeal cookies by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Additionally, ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free oats.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a freshly baked cookie. With their delightful combination of chewy oats and sweet icing, these iced oatmeal cookies are a true delight for the senses. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a lunchbox treat, or a dessert after a satisfying meal, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of these mouthwatering cookies fill your home. Get ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure that will leave you with a batch of irresistible treats and memories to cherish.
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Delicious and nutritious oatmeal cookies topped with a sweet icing, offering a perfect blend of chewy oats and creamy sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
-
In a bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
-
Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
-
Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in raisins or chopped nuts if desired.
-
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
-
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make the icing.
-
Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
-
Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
-
For extra sweetness, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top of the icing before it sets.