Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the comforting taste of oatmeal. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are covered in a sweet vanilla glaze, making them a favorite for holiday gatherings or as a cozy snack any time of year. Their unique combination of spices adds warmth and depth, ensuring they stand out on any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of brown butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: These cookies maintain a delightful chewiness thanks to the oats and careful baking.
- Versatile Occasion Treat: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or just a comforting snack at home – they suit every occasion!
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.
- Beautiful Presentation: The glossy icing makes these cookies as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easier, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
- Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking cookies to perfection.
- Cooling racks: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are perfectly soft and chewy, filled with cozy spice flavor and covered in a sweet vanilla glaze. As pretty as they are delicious, these are a holiday favorite year after year!
For the Cookies
- 1 1/4 cups (282 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (190 g) old fashioned oats
- 2 cups, plus 4 tablespoons (280 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons molasses (not blackstrap)
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
How to Make Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter
Begin by browning your butter. In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt the unsalted butter.
2. Continue heating until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
2. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Cream Together Sugars and Butter
In your stand mixer:
1. Add the browned butter along with light brown sugar and granulated sugar.
2. Beat on medium speed until creamy.
3. Add room temperature eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract and molasses; mix well.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
2. Stir in old-fashioned oats gently using a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While cookies cool:
1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with milk or heavy cream until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once cookies have cooled completely:
1. Drizzle or spread icing over each cookie generously.
2. Allow icing to set before serving.
Enjoy your delicious batch of Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies! Perfect for sharing or indulging yourself!
How to Serve Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be served in fun and creative ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
Pair with a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: A sweet, chocolaty drink pairs perfectly for a cozy treat.
- Spiced Tea: Try chai or cinnamon tea to enhance the spice notes in the cookies.
Create a Cookie Platter
- Mixed Cookies: Combine these cookies with chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookies for variety.
- Decorated Cookies: Add some sugar cookies with festive decorations for a pop of color.
Serve as Dessert
- With Ice Cream: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent sandwich.
- Drizzle with Extra Glaze: Top warm cookies with an additional drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Gift Them
- Cookie Jars: Fill jars with cookies and give them as gifts during the holidays.
- Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for special occasions.
How to Perfect Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
To make sure your brown butter iced oatmeal cookies turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
- Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely while browning it to avoid burning; it should have a nutty aroma.
- Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance texture and flavor.
- Do Not Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are lightly golden; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: If your icing is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Although these brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are delicious alone, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries and citrus adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses that contrast well with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing complement.
- Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts adds crunch and savory flavor alongside sweet cookies.
- Vanilla Pudding: Serve warm or chilled pudding as a creamy contrast to chewy cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making brown butter iced oatmeal cookies can be a delightful experience, but some common pitfalls can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the browning process: Not browning the butter enough can result in a bland flavor. Take your time and let it turn a lovely golden brown for a nutty taste.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Stir just until combined for a softer texture.
- Incorrect measuring of flour: Packing flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure accurately.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can cause your cookies to spread too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can affect the batter’s consistency. Always use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- For best results, freeze before icing.
Reheating Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft bite.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes brown butter iced oatmeal cookies special?
These cookies are unique because they combine the rich flavor of brown butter with the wholesome goodness of oats, making them both delicious and comforting.
Can I customize my brown butter iced oatmeal cookies recipe?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavors and textures.
How do I ensure my icing is smooth?
To achieve a smooth icing, sift your powdered sugar well and gradually mix in milk until you reach desired consistency.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday baking?
Yes! The cozy spices and sweet glaze make these brown butter iced oatmeal cookies perfect for festive occasions.
Final Thoughts
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Their soft, chewy texture paired with a delightful vanilla glaze makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins or spices, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings!
Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of our Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies feature the rich nuttiness of brown butter combined with hearty oats and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy snacks year-round. Whether enjoyed with coffee or shared at a party, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty; let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream together browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy; add eggs one at a time along with vanilla and molasses.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; fold in oats gently.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden at the edges.
- Cool cookies and prepare icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla; drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
