Delicious Old-Fashioned Vanilla Iced Oatmeal Cookies: A Timeless Recipe
Indulge your cravings with a taste of pure nostalgia! These homemade, soft, and wonderfully chewy Vanilla Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a beloved classic, featuring wholesome oats and a delicate drizzle of simple vanilla icing. Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe promises a delightful bite every single time. Get ready to create a batch of cookies that truly captures the heartwarming essence of homemade goodness!
For more comforting oat-inspired desserts, explore our other recipes: Chewy Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies, Spiced Molasses Cookie Cream Pies, Triple Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, and these delightful Soft-Batch Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Why These Classic Iced Oatmeal Cookies Are a Must-Try
Searching for that perfect cookie recipe that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly versatile? Look no further! These old-fashioned iced oatmeal cookies are an absolute dream. They are ideal for creating thoughtful gift baskets for friends and family during the holidays, packing into school lunches, serving at parties, or bringing along for road trips and family outings. Their irresistible charm evokes cherished memories, reminding many of grandma’s baking – and we all know grandma’s cookies are truly the best!
Crafted with a thoughtful blend of wholesome ingredients, these cookies deliver an indulgent treat that appeals to everyone, from young children to adults. The rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla combine beautifully with the chewy texture of oats, making these cookies a delightful experience for the palate. They are fantastic on their own, offering a satisfying snack, and they pair wonderfully with your favorite scoop of vanilla ice cream, a warm cup of coffee, or a steaming mug of hot cocoa. The beauty of this oatmeal cookie recipe lies in its adaptability; you can bake these delicious treats any time of the year!
Each bite of these exquisite cookies delivers an irresistible, homemade flavor that will have you reaching for more. So, get that cold milk ready, because you’ll want to devour a whole batch!

Discover the Joy of Baking These Vanilla Iced Oatmeal Cookies
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this particular old-fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies recipe. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful baking experience that yields incredibly satisfying results. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Effortlessly Simple: This oatmeal cookie recipe is designed for ease, requiring only basic pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. It’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- No Chilling Required: Say goodbye to long waiting times! This cookie dough can be mixed and baked immediately, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm cookies much faster.
- Homemade Vanilla Glaze: The recipe features a simple, yet utterly delicious, homemade vanilla glaze that sets beautifully, adding that perfect touch of sweetness and classic charm.
- Soft, Chewy, and Flavorful: Each cookie is wonderfully soft and chewy, infused with a cozy cinnamon flavor that complements the sweet vanilla icing. They are truly a treat for the senses.
- Superior to Store-Bought: Once you taste these homemade wonders, you’ll find them far superior to any store-bought alternative, both in texture and flavor.
- Customizable with Add-ins: Feel free to personalize your cookies! Enhance the flavor with the addition of plump raisins, tart dried cranberries, or any other dried fruits you enjoy.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Adjust the amount of cinnamon, or even add a pinch of other warm spices like nutmeg or cloves, to tailor the cookies to your preferred taste. Any yummy add-ins can amp up your cookies!
- A Family Favorite: These comforting cookies are always a hit and will quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie jar, constantly tempting you with their delicious aroma.
Are Iced Oatmeal Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, they absolutely can be! Making these delectable treats gluten-free is incredibly simple. Just substitute the regular quick oats with gluten-free quick oats, and you’re all set to enjoy a celiac-friendly version of these classic cookies!


Essential Ingredients for Your Vanilla Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most incredible chewy oatmeal cookies with vanilla icing. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and unforgettable flavor profile.
Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
- All-purpose flour: Crucial for structure; ensure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, providing warmth and that classic oatmeal cookie flavor.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and achieve their soft texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to cream smoothly with the sugar, contributing to richness and tenderness.
- Light brown sugar: Packed for measurement, it adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and richness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for its aromatic depth, enhancing the overall sweetness.
- Quick-cooking oats: I recommend 1-minute quick Quaker Oats for the best texture, or use gluten-free quick oats if preferred.
Vanilla Icing
- Powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, pourable icing.
- Whole milk or milk of choice: Thins the icing to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic finish to the icing.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Vanilla Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of irresistible homemade vanilla iced oatmeal cookies. Precision and patience are key to achieving that perfect soft, chewy texture and delicious vanilla glaze.
- Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Set them aside for later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). This ensures all the dry components are well-distributed, which is essential for uniform flavor in your cookies. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar. Beat for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This step incorporates air, making your cookies lighter.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Continue mixing until these ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Fold in Oats: Finally, add the quick-cooking oats to the dough. Mix until the oats are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The oats provide that signature chewy texture.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a small, medium, or large cookie scoop, place scoops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown. Baking times vary based on size:
- Small Cookies (1 tablespoon): Bake for 9-10 minutes.
- Medium Cookies (2 tablespoons): Bake for 11-13 minutes.
- Large Cookies (¼ cup scoop): Bake for 14-16 minutes.
Remove from oven and let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial that the cookies are completely cool before applying the icing.
- Prepare the Vanilla Icing: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the delicious vanilla icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk (or your preferred milk), and vanilla extract. The icing should have a thick, yet pourable consistency, allowing you to easily dip the cookies. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, gently dip the tops of each cookie into the prepared vanilla icing. Lay them back on the wire rack, icing side up, and allow the icing to fully set. For a quicker set, you can carefully place the iced cookies in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.


Storing and Freezing Homemade Iced Oatmeal Cookies
To keep your delicious homemade iced oatmeal cookies fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure the icing has fully set before stacking them gently with parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerated Storage: For extended freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Again, ensure the icing is completely set before refrigerating.
- Freezing for Long-Term: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled and iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Serving Frozen Cookies: To serve from the freezer, remove the desired number of cookies and let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour. If you prefer them warm, you can microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds until just heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Iced Cookies
Achieving the perfect batch of soft, chewy, and perfectly iced oatmeal cookies is easy with these helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Oats: For the best soft and chewy texture, it is essential to use quick oats, not steel-cut oats. Steel-cut oats are less processed and will result in a much different, tougher texture in your cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the cookie dough can develop too much gluten in the flour, which will result in tougher, less tender cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Perfect Softness: To guarantee soft oatmeal cookies, keep a close eye on them in the oven. Remove them as soon as the bottoms and edges turn a light golden brown. They might still seem slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
- Accurate Flour Measurement: Incorrect flour measurement is a common culprit for cakey or dry cookies. To measure flour correctly, spoon it lightly into a measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Do not scoop directly from the bag.
- Icing Consistency is Key: The vanilla icing should be thick enough to cling to the cookie but still pourable. If your icing is too runny, it won’t set well on the cookies; simply add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk.
- Customize Your Spices: While cinnamon is traditional, feel free to adjust the amount or add a pinch of other warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or a tiny bit of ground cloves to enhance the flavor.
- Additions for Flavor: Experiment with adding other ingredients like a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts, or even a tablespoon of orange zest to the cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor.

The Irresistible Charm of Vanilla Iced Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
It’s abundantly clear why these vanilla iced chewy oatmeal cookies have become a cherished staple in countless homes, including mine. With their delightful sweet vanilla flavor and signature chewy texture, these cookies strike the perfect balance between comforting familiarity and indulgent decadence. They are incredibly easy to make, and often quite economical, which is always a welcome bonus for any home baker.
If you’re a devoted fan of oatmeal, you absolutely cannot miss out on this tasty treat. And while you’re at it, be sure to try these yummy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies too! This iced oatmeal cookie recipe is truly perfect for any gathering, adding an extra layer of sweetness to every occasion. It’s easy to understand why these old-fashioned oatmeal cookies quickly become a go-to option for potlucks, filling up your cookie jar, celebrating holidays, and simply enjoying as an everyday snack. They’re even delicious with your morning coffee!
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a delicious snack or a festive treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, look no further than these delightful and tasty creations. These old-fashioned oatmeal cookies with vanilla icing truly represent the best of classic cookies. In fact, they’re so good, you might just want to make a double batch for the upcoming holidays!
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Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Recipe by Kim Lange
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
12 minutes
Dessert
20
Servings
112
kcal
Ingredients
1x
2x
3x
2x
3x
Oatmeal Cookies
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups quick-cooking oats
Vanilla Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Oatmeal Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg and set aside.
- Using mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined.
- Add the oats and mix in until evenly distributed.
- Using a small, medium or large cookie scoop, place scoops on the baking sheets 2-inches apart. Bake cookies until lightly golden brown along the edges. (Small Cookies (1 tablespoon) Bake 9-10 minutes, Medium Cookies (2 tablespoons) 11-13 minutes, Large Cookies (¼ cup scoop) 14-18 minutes.
- Let cool slightly on the trays for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Vanilla Icing
- While the cookies cool make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. (The icing should be really thick, yet pourable so you can dip the cookies into the icing.)
- Once the cookies are completely cool, lightly dip the tops of the cookies into the icing and lay them back on the wire rack icing side up. Let them sit to allow the icing to fully set for several hours. To set icing quickly, place cookies in fridge for 5-10 minutes.
Notes
Medium Cookies (2 tablespoons) Bake 11-13 minutes
Large Cookies (¼ cup scoop) Bake 14-18 minutes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 19mg
Sodium: 69mg
Potassium: 28mg
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 11g
Vitamin A: 199IU
Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Calcium: 22mg
Iron: 1mg
cookies, icing, oatmeal, vanilla
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