There’s something timeless about a batch of Old-Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies. They’re chewy in the center, crisp at the edges, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla icing that cracks just slightly when you bite in. These aren’t the overly soft, store-bought versions. They’re made from scratch and taste like childhood memories—warm, toasty, and full of texture.
The heart of this recipe is in the oats. Rolled oats give the cookies a chewy, hearty bite and pair beautifully with the hint of spice in the dough. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg warms things up, while brown sugar adds depth and keeps the centers soft.
Then comes the icing. It’s simple—just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla—but it transforms these humble cookies into something special. The way it sets and adds a crackly sweetness to each bite is pure nostalgia.
This recipe is perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or simply when you want a cookie that feels a little old-school in the best way. They’re the kind of treat you bring to your neighbor or pack into a tin for someone you love.
And while they look impressive, they’re easy to make. No chilling, no special equipment—just a bowl, a mixer, and a baking sheet. The dough comes together fast, and the icing takes just minutes.
They also keep well. Store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for several days, making them perfect for gifting or keeping on hand for a sweet snack.
The texture is what makes these cookies stand out. The coarse oats give them a rustic look and hearty bite, while the icing adds a delicate crunch on top. It’s a satisfying contrast that keeps you coming back for another.
You can tweak the spice level to your liking—add more cinnamon, a pinch of clove, or even some ginger for a spiced-up version. They also work great with a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts mixed in.
This recipe feels like something passed down through generations, even if it’s your first time baking them. They have that homemade charm that’s hard to replicate.
Kids love them for the sweetness. Adults appreciate the depth and balance. And everyone agrees they’re just plain delicious.
Whether you’re baking on a quiet afternoon or prepping for a cookie party, this recipe is a reliable go-to. It never disappoints.
Servings: 24 cookies
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse oats 2-3 times to slightly break them up. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
- Mix in dry ingredients, then stir in oats.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before icing.
- For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Tips:
- Slightly pulsing oats gives the perfect texture.
- Let icing fully dry before storing.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic flavor with modern ease.
- Perfectly chewy with a crackly sweet top.
- Ideal for gifting and gatherings.
Old-Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a comforting, nostalgic treat with a chewy center, crisp edges, and a sweet vanilla drizzle. Easy to make, impossible to resist.
