These Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies are a sweet treat filled with warm spices and chewy oats. They’re like a hug in cookie form, perfect for sharing and enjoying.
Honestly, the icing adds a fun touch! I can’t resist making a little smiley face on each cookie. They’re delightful with a cup of tea or as an afternoon snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the cookies. You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. For a healthier twist, unsweetened applesauce can also work, but cookies will be softer.
Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar gives these cookies their signature flavor. You can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses as a substitute, just use 1 cup of sugar and about 1 tablespoon of molasses.
Molasses: This adds moisture and deep flavor. If you run out, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good alternatives, although they will slightly alter the flavor.
Ground Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are essential for that gingerbread taste. You could mix a pumpkin spice blend in place of these spices if you like a varied flavor!
Old-Fashioned Oats: These provide texture. Quick oats can be used, but they might make the cookies less chewy. Rolled oats are the best option here if you want to keep that delightful chewiness.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This introduces air, making your cookies light.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour. Just mix until incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. The cookies should be soft in the middle when you pull them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breaking.
These tips will help you bake cookies that are not too hard and perfectly chewy!
Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 10-12 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes before icing them, so overall, you can expect around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, plus some time for the icing to set. Perfect for a cozy baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Add the molasses and the egg to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well until everything is nicely combined. You’ll want it to be smooth and well-mixed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until they’re well combined.
5. Mix it All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. It’s important not to overmix!
6. Stir in the Oats:
Add the old-fashioned oats, mixing gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the trays in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly firm.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once done, take the baking sheets out of the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Icing:
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach a drizzle consistency.
11. Ice the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the tops using a spoon or piping bag for a pretty design.
12. Add Garnish (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the icing for an extra touch of flavor.
13. Let it Set:
Allow the icing to set before serving the cookies. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Enjoy these chewy, warmly spiced gingerbread oatmeal cookies with a delicious sweet glaze! Perfect for sharing with family and friends or keeping for yourself!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option! Just keep in mind it may make the cookies a bit denser. You might want to substitute only half the amount initially and see how you like the texture before fully committing.
What Can I Substitute for Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup as substitutes. However, they will slightly alter the flavor and texture. For a closer match, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of water to mimic molasses more closely.
How Do I Store the Cookies After Baking?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and they’ll last for about 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and chocolate chips can add great flavor and texture. Just fold them into the dough after adding the oats. Adjust the amount based on your preference, but about 1 cup should work well!
