If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a touch of nostalgia, this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is sure to become a favorite! These cookies are the perfect blend of crispy and chewy, making them an irresistible after-school snack or a sweet addition to any family gathering. Imagine cozying up with a glass of milk and enjoying these deliciously iced cookies that remind you of simpler times.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you’ll find that it uses wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, the icing adds just the right touch of sweetness, making them perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all on your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these cookies, making them a hit at any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake a batch in advance and store them for when those cookie cravings hit.
- Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with creamy icing create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These iced oatmeal cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:
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)
Variations
This Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up and make it your own with these fun variations:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness!
- Incorporate Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the shortening with coconut oil and use plant-based milk for the icing.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves to give your cookies a unique twist.
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together Shortening and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful texture.
Step 2: Add Water and Vanilla
Beat in the water and vanilla extract until well combined. The liquid helps to moisten the dough, ensuring that each bite is soft and chewy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed mixture while mixing well. This ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie dough.
Step 4: Fold in Oats
Gently fold in the oats until evenly incorporated. This step adds texture and heartiness to your cookies while keeping them true to their oatmeal roots.
Step 5: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a medium cookie scoop, drop dough onto greased baking sheets. Spacing them out allows for even baking and prevents them from sticking together.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350° F for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Allowing them to sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them allows them to set perfectly.
Step 7: Prepare the Icing
While your cookies cool off on a wire rack, whisk together milk and powdered sugar for the glaze. Add water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency; you want it thick enough to stick but thin enough to glaze smoothly.
Step 8: Ice Your Cookies
Quickly dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess icing to drip off before placing them back on the rack. This step gives each cookie its signature sweet finish!
Enjoy creating these delicious iced oatmeal cookies that are bound to bring joy whether it’s snack time or dessert!
Pro Tips for Making Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Baking can be a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your iced oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly every time!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your shortening and water at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, resulting in better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Gently folding in the oats ensures the cookies remain tender and chewy; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check Oven Temperature: Always verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Accurate baking temperatures are crucial for even cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the nutmeg and cinnamon levels to suit your taste preferences, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allowing the cookies to cool will prevent the glaze from melting away, ensuring a nice finish on each cookie.
How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Presenting your iced oatmeal cookies beautifully can make them even more enticing. Here are some ideas for serving them up!
Garnishes
- Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils on top of the glaze adds a fun touch that’s perfect for celebrations or kids’ snacks.
- Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dusting the tops with extra cinnamon right after glazing enhances their aroma and gives a lovely visual appeal.
Side Dishes
- Milk: A classic pairing, serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat that everyone loves.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors nicely.
- Ice Cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates a delicious dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
- Coffee or Tea: Offering coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the cookies while providing a cozy beverage option for adults.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful cookies whenever the craving strikes. With a little planning, you can make these cookies ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Enjoy within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
- Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
FAQs
Can I make this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How long do iced oatmeal cookies last?
These iced oatmeal cookies can last up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
What can I substitute for shortening in this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
You can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute for shortening. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
Can I add chocolate chips to my iced oatmeal cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips or raisins into the dough before baking for an extra treat.
How do I achieve the perfect icing consistency?
Start by mixing powdered sugar with milk, adding water slowly until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle easily!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe as much as I do! These cookies bring together nostalgia and comfort, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or mix-ins, and remember—baking is all about having fun. Happy baking!
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a nostalgic treat that perfectly balances crispy and chewy textures with a creamy icing finish. Ideal for after-school snacks or family gatherings, these cookies are made with wholesome ingredients and easily customizable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 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)
- water (as needed)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in water and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Gently fold in the oats until evenly incorporated.
- Drop dough onto greased baking sheets using a medium cookie scoop.
- Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- While cooling, prepare the icing by whisking milk and powdered sugar; adjust consistency with water as needed.
- Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze and let set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg




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