Name: Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 to 2 ½ tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar mingling with the hearty scent of oats fills your kitchen. You bite into a soft, chewy oatmeal cookie, its delicate vanilla glaze melting on your tongue, a perfect balance of sweet and spice. This is not just any cookie — it’s a beloved Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that feels like a warm hug from grandma, yet is surprisingly quick and easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or in need of a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies never fail to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes: From mixing to baking, these cookies come together quickly, perfect for those moments when you crave homemade goodness in a flash.
Uses simple ingredients: Pantry staples like oats, cinnamon, and vanilla bring big, classic flavors without any fuss.
Perfect for beginners: Easy steps and forgiving dough make this recipe ideal for first-time bakers or anyone craving a no-stress bake.
Impressive presentation: The glossy vanilla icing adds a charming, professional touch that turns these cookies from everyday to special occasion worthy.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or swap spices to tailor the cookies exactly to your taste.

Why This Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it marries classic baking techniques with a few thoughtful touches that ensure perfect texture and flavor. The combination of old-fashioned rolled oats and all-purpose flour creates that familiar chewy yet tender bite everyone loves. Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies keep their shape while developing deeper flavors. The icing is just the right thickness to coat the tops without overwhelming — a sweet glaze that’s smooth, glossy, and beautifully contrasts the spiced cookie below. These simple but essential details make every bite irresistible.

White platter filled with numerous freshly baked oatmeal cookies generously coated with a smooth white glaze, arranged in neat stacks and loose clusters showcasing their rustic texture, a small white bowl filled with additional glaze sits nearby, all placed on a white marble surface under soft natural lighting, professional food magazine style photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient brings its own magic to these old fashioned iced oatmeal cookies. They’re straightforward yet essential, combining to create a cookie that’s as timeless as it is delicious.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that lends chewiness and a comforting texture.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold these tender cookies together.
Baking soda: Gives just the right lift and slight crispness around the edges.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Cinnamon: Infuses a warm, spicy note that defines classic oatmeal cookies.
Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy richness and moist texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds caramel undertones and makes the cookies beautifully chewy.
Granulated sugar: Brings delicacy and sweetness to balance the brown sugar.
Eggs: Create structure and help bind the dough perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Provides that cozy aroma and depth of flavor.
Confectioner’s sugar: For the sweet, smooth icing coating the tops.
Milk: Adjusts icing consistency for that perfect glossy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Old-fashioned rolled oats: You can swap for quick oats in a pinch, though texture will be slightly softer.
Unsalted butter: Use salted butter, but reduce added salt slightly to balance flavors.
Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar adds a richer, molasses flavor if you want a deeper taste.
Milk: Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free icing option.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Chill the dough: Letting your dough rest in the fridge for 45 minutes prevents spreading and intensifies flavors.
Room temperature eggs: This helps the dough mix smoothly and promotes even baking.
Don’t overmix: Combining dry ingredients just until incorporated keeps cookies tender, not tough.
Use parchment paper: Prevent sticking and ensure even baking without fuss.
Icing consistency: Add milk gradually for a glaze that’s thick enough to coat but thin enough to drip beautifully.

How to Make Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cinnamon. This blend is your flavor foundation, making sure every bite carries that classic oatmeal warmth.

💡 Pro Tip: Sift flour before mixing to avoid lumps and keep the dough light.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with light brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. This ensures lovely airiness and sweetness for your cookies.

💡 Pro Tip: Using room temperature butter helps sugars combine better for a soft, fluffy dough.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract on high speed until fully incorporated, about 1 more minute. This builds a velvety texture and rich vanilla aroma that’s utterly irresistible.

💡 Pro Tip: Crack eggs into a separate bowl to avoid any shell fragments in your dough.

Step 4: Combine with dry ingredients

Reduce mixer to low and add the dry ingredients slowly, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make cookies tough instead of tender and soft.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer chunkier oats, don’t over-stir; just mix until the flour disappears.

Step 5: Chill the dough

Cover the dough and chill for 45 minutes. This step is key to preventing flat cookies and allows the oats to absorb moisture, boosting flavor depth.

💡 Pro Tip: If short on time, you can refrigerate for 30 minutes but 45 is ideal.

Step 6: Prepare for baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy removal.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for uniform color and texture.

Step 7: Scoop the dough

Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 2 to 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. This space allows cookies to spread and caramelize on the edges perfectly.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a cookie scoop to get evenly sized cookies, resulting in uniform baking.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain soft. This balance gives you chewy pockets with just the right crunch around the edges.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! The cookies will firm up as they cool, so pulling them out at just the right moment is crucial.

Step 9: Cool before icing

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is rewarded with perfect icing application later.

💡 Pro Tip: Icing warm cookies will cause it to run off, losing that beautiful glossy effect.

Step 10: Make the vanilla icing

Whisk confectioner’s sugar with vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach a thick, smooth glaze. Add more milk sparingly to get the perfect dipping consistency.

💡 Pro Tip: Sift confectioner’s sugar beforehand to avoid lumps and achieve a silky finish.

Step 11: Ice the cookies

Dip cooled cookies upside down into the icing and pull straight up, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Place them right side up on the rack to set for 15-30 minutes until the glaze hardens to a delicate shine.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on the icing before it sets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Not chilling the dough: Leads to flat, overly spread cookies without that perfect chewy texture.
Overmixing dry ingredients: Produces tough cookies instead of soft, tender bites.
Baking at the wrong temperature: Too hot and cookies brown too fast; too low and they spread too much.
Applying icing to warm cookies: Causes the glaze to melt and lose shape.
Using quick oats instead of rolled oats: Results in a less chewy, more crumbly texture.
Measuring flour incorrectly: Packing flour can throw off moisture balance, making cookies dry.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, why not experiment with these tasty twists?

Raisin and Walnut

Fold in ½ cup raisins and ½ cup chopped walnuts for a nutty, chewy upgrade that adds delightful texture and sweetness.

Spiced Orange Zest

Add the zest of one orange and a ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough to brighten the cinnamon with a citrusy zing and warming spice.

Chocolate Chip Drizzle

After icing sets, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for a sophisticated, bittersweet contrast.

Coconut Delight

Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut and swap the vanilla icing for a coconut glaze to transport your taste buds to tropical paradise.

Maple Icing Twist

Replace the vanilla in the icing with pure maple syrup and adjust consistency with milk for a decadent, autumn-inspired finish.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Single white plate displaying one oatmeal cookie generously coated with a glossy white icing, close-up angled shot emphasizing the textured crumbly surface with visible oats and the smooth, slightly cracked glaze on top, natural lighting highlighting the cookie’s golden-brown color and detailed interior texture, set on a white marble background, styled like a food blog individual serving photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or even edible flowers can add a charming touch to your iced cookies.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a frothy cup of chai tea, cold milk, or a warm latte to complement those cinnamon and vanilla notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies on a vintage cake stand, tie bundles with twine for gifting, or serve alongside fresh fruit for a rustic, inviting display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer parchment paper between to keep the icing intact.

Freezing

Freeze un-iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw completely and ice before serving.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh softness. Avoid microwaving to keep icing from melting.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be less chewy and slightly more crumbly. For the best traditional feel, stick with rolled oats.

How long will these cookies keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking, which also enhances the flavors.

Is there a dairy-free version of the icing?

Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk instead of cow’s milk to make a dairy-free glaze.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms the dough, preventing cookies from spreading too thin and deepening the flavors.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes, the recipe scales well. Adjust baking times slightly if you change cookie size.

What’s the best way to store iced cookies?

Keep them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking and icing damage.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Try dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to customize your cookie.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about an Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe — it’s comfort, nostalgia, and joy baked into one perfect bite. The blend of cinnamon and oats, the soft, almost chewy texture, and that sweet vanilla glaze make these cookies a timeless treat to share and savor. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, they never fail to bring smiles around the table.

Have you tried this Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊