These Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies are a cozy treat with a spicy, sweet bite! Each cookie combines hearty oats with warm ginger and hints of cinnamon, making them perfect for any cozy day.
Who can resist the fun of icing their cookies? I love decorating them with fun patterns. Plus, they taste amazing fresh out of the oven or with a cup of tea later. Yum!
Baking these cookies is really simple! Just mix, scoop, and bake. They also make great gifts! I often make a big batch and share with friends, and they love it! 🎁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil. I usually prefer butter for rich flavor!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor. You can swap it for white sugar mixed with a little molasses, about 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar.
Molasses: This gives the cookies their distinct gingerbread flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use honey or maple syrup, but it’ll alter the taste slightly.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide texture. Quick oats work too, though they might make the cookies a bit softer.
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are key for that warming gingerbread taste. If you like it spicy, try adding a bit of allspice or nutmeg for an extra kick!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Achieving that chewy yet slightly crispy texture is crucial for these cookies. Here’s how:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, helping them rise.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep them from becoming too tough.
- Watch the baking time. Remove them when they are just set and edges begin to brown. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Following these simple steps will ensure that your cookies turn out perfect every time! Enjoy making these delightful treats! ☕🍪
Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (or as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 10-12 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll want to let the cookies cool for about 5-10 minutes before icing them, so expect a total of around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s all worth it for that cozy gingerbread flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes for easier cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking!
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat them together using a mixer or a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s my favorite part; the sweet smell starts filling the kitchen!
3. Adding Egg and Molasses
Now, beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the molasses until everything is mixed well. The molasses adds that wonderful rich flavor we love in gingerbread.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This is where all the warming gingerbread spices come from. You’ll want to combine the dry ingredients well for even flavor!
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want them nice and chewy!
6. Adding the Oats
Now it’s time to fold in the rolled oats. This will give your cookies that hearty texture we love. Make sure the oats are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space in between each cookie; they will spread while baking.
8. Baking the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be set and have lightly browned edges—don’t overbake them as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
9. Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step gives them the best texture!
10. Preparing the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, make your icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you get a smooth, thick but pourable consistency. You can add more milk if needed to reach the right thickness.
11. Icing the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over each cookie. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative touch. Have fun with this step!
12. Letting It Set
Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving. If you have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and delightful.
Enjoy your festive and hearty Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family…or for treating yourself on a cozy afternoon!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses to achieve a similar flavor. However, brown sugar gives these cookies extra moisture and a deeper flavor, so it’s best to stick with it if you can.
What Can I Substitute for Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that while they will add sweetness, the flavor profile will differ slightly from traditional gingerbread.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The cookies may turn out slightly different in texture, but they will still be delicious!