These Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. The sweet icing on top adds a fun touch that makes them even better!
Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma that feels like a hug. I love enjoying them with a cup of tea; it’s the perfect treat to make any day a little brighter!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This helps control the salt level. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Dark Brown Sugar: This sugar adds depth and moisture. If you don’t have it, light brown sugar works too, though it will be slightly less flavorful. You can even make your own dark brown sugar by mixing light brown sugar with a bit of molasses!
Molasses: This ingredient gives the cookies their signature gingerbread flavor. If you can’t find unsulfured molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will change somewhat.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats add heartiness. Quick oats can be a substitute, though they will change the texture slightly, making them a bit softer.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve those soft and chewy cookies, there are key techniques to follow:
- Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, making the cookies lighter.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Keep an eye on baking time! Pull them out when they’re lightly golden but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
With these tips, you’re all set to bake delicious iced gingerbread oatmeal cookies that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (or as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake. You’ll also want to allow about 30 minutes for the icing to set. In total, plan for about 1 hour to enjoy these delicious cookies from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is important for a soft cookie texture.
3. Add Egg and Molasses:
Next, add in the egg, unsulfured molasses, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until everything is fully combined for a smooth and rich dough.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on a low speed just until everything comes together, making sure not to overmix.
6. Add Oats:
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, fold in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed in the cookie dough. This adds a hearty texture to your cookies.
7. Form Cookies:
Drop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. If you’d like, you can gently flatten each one slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon for a more uniform shape.
8. Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewiness.
9. Cool:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
10. Prepare Icing:
While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and thick yet drizzle-able consistency. If needed, add a bit more milk to adjust the thickness.
11. Ice the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the icing over them using a spoon or a piping bag for a more polished look. Get creative with your designs!
12. Let Set:
Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving. This way, it will firm up and have a lovely, glaze-like finish.
Enjoy your festive, soft, and chewy iced gingerbread oatmeal cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cozy drink!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Yes! If you don’t have dark brown sugar, light brown sugar is a good alternative. It may alter the flavor slightly, but your cookies will still be delicious!
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil. Just ensure it’s in a solid form for the best consistency while mixing.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Levels?
If you’re a fan of warmer spices, feel free to add more ground ginger or cinnamon to suit your taste. For a milder flavor, you can reduce each spice by half without compromising the overall taste.
