Old fashioned iced oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves! This Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe creates crispy, chewy cookies perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s an after-school snack or a dessert at a gathering, these cookies shine with their creamy vanilla icing. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll enjoy making and sharing them.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- For the Icing
- How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Step 1: Cream the Shortening and Sugars
- Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Step 4: Fold in Oats
- Step 5: Prepare for Baking
- Step 6: Bake Cookies
- Step 7: Make the Icing
- Step 8: Ice the Cookies
- How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- With a Glass of Milk
- As a Dessert Platter
- Crumbled Over Ice Cream
- With Fresh Fruit
- How to Perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Reheating Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my iced oatmeal cookies chewier?
- Can I substitute other sweeteners in this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
- What is the best way to store iced oatmeal cookies?
- How long do iced oatmeal cookies last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from bake sales to family gatherings.
- Deliciously Chewy: The combination of oats and icing provides a satisfying texture that is hard to resist.
- Kid-Friendly Recipe: A fun recipe that kids can help make, making it great for family bonding.
- Perfectly Iced: The creamy vanilla icing gives these cookies an extra touch of sweetness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
- Sifter
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Baking sheets: Non-stick or greased baking sheets prevent cookies from sticking while baking.
- Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool properly and maintain their texture.

Ingredients
To make the delicious Iced Oatmeal Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
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)
How to Make Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Shortening and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the water and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.
Step 4: Fold in Oats
Fold in the oats gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Drop dough onto greased baking sheets using a medium cookie scoop.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake at 350° for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cookies to stand for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Icing
While the cookies cool, stir together milk and powdered sugar. Add water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Ice the Cookies
Dip the top of each cookie quickly into the glaze allowing any excess to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack.
Now you have delicious iced oatmeal cookies ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Iced oatmeal cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. They pair wonderfully with drinks and other snacks, making them versatile for any occasion.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic combination that enhances the sweetness of the cookies while providing a creamy balance.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange iced oatmeal cookies on a platter with other desserts for a charming display at parties or gatherings.
Crumbled Over Ice Cream
- Add a crunchy twist to vanilla or chocolate ice cream by crumbling these cookies on top.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or slices of apple for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
How to Perfect Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
To ensure your iced oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Shortening: This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugars.
- Measure Oats Properly: Make sure you use the right amount of oats to maintain the desired chewiness in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow cookies to cool fully before dipping in glaze, ensuring it adheres well and doesn’t melt away.
Best Side Dishes for Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Iced oatmeal cookies can shine even more when paired with complimentary side dishes. Here are some delicious options:
Fresh Fruit Salad
A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweet cookies.Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with the cookies’ sweetness.Cheese Platter
Offer a variety of mild cheeses, which provide creamy richness that pairs well with the cookie’s flavors.Chocolate Milkshake
This indulgent drink adds an extra layer of sweetness, perfect for cookie dunking!Nut Butter Dip
Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip for added protein and nutty flavor alongside the sweet cookies.Homemade Granola Bars
These chewy snacks are great companions, offering texture and more wholesome ingredients to enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making iced oatmeal cookies, small oversights can lead to disappointing results. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Boldly skip the creaming step: Failing to cream the shortening and sugars properly can result in dense cookies. Make sure to mix until light and fluffy.
- Boldly overlook ingredient measurements: Improper measuring can throw off the recipe. Use precise measurements for all ingredients for the best results.
- Boldly ignore cooling times: Removing cookies from the baking sheet too soon can cause them to break. Allow them to cool briefly before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Boldly rush the glaze: If you dip the cookies in the glaze while they are still warm, it may not set properly. Wait until they have cooled completely for a smooth finish.
- Boldly use hot water in glaze: Using hot water instead of cold or room temperature can alter the glaze consistency. Start with cold water and adjust as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store iced oatmeal cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding our iced oatmeal cookies recipe.
How do I make my iced oatmeal cookies chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, consider adding an extra egg or using more oats in your dough.
Can I substitute other sweeteners in this Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can use alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture.
What is the best way to store iced oatmeal cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.
How long do iced oatmeal cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful chewy texture paired with creamy icing. Feel free to customize by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this versatile treat anytime!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Iced Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Iced Oatmeal Cookies. This easy recipe yields crispy yet chewy cookies that are perfect for any occasion—from after-school snacks to dessert at family gatherings. Each cookie is topped with a creamy vanilla icing, bringing an extra layer of sweetness that complements the hearty oats beautifully. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this treat is not only fun to make but also great for bonding with kids in the kitchen. Enjoy these nostalgic delights fresh out of the oven or as part of a dessert platter; they’re sure to be a hit!
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
- Cream the shortening and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the water and vanilla until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; gradually add to the creamed mixture until combined.
- Gently fold in oats until evenly distributed.
- Drop dough onto greased baking sheets using a medium cookie scoop.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- For icing, mix milk and powdered sugar until smooth, adding water as needed for desired consistency.
- Dip the tops of cooled cookies into icing and let excess drip off before placing back on the wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





