Description
Delightfully soft and chewy iced oatmeal cookies with a perfect balance of cinnamon and nutmeg spices, topped with a smooth vanilla icing. These classic American cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
Icing
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then mix in the molasses and vanilla extract to enrich the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Oats: Stir in the old fashioned rolled oats until they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough, providing texture and heartiness.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets or wire racks before icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (2 to 3 tablespoons depending on desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thick.
- Ice Cookies: Spread or drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies evenly and let it set before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies by about one minute.
- Blend 1 cup of the oats into a finer texture before mixing for a more traditional iced oatmeal cookie appearance and softer bite.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
