These Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the comforting chewiness of oatmeal. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are not only easy to make but also visually stunning thanks to their sweet vanilla glaze. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and spices creates a warm and inviting taste.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy for an irresistible bite.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet treat any day of the week.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze!
- Beautiful Presentation: Topped with a glossy vanilla glaze, they look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless for a fluffy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking sheets: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cleanup easier.
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!
Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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
Start by browning the butter:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your mixer bowl:
1. Add the browned butter with both sugars (light brown sugar and granulated sugar).
2. Beat them together on medium speed until creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time into the mixture:
1. Mix in each egg thoroughly before adding the next.
2. Add vanilla extract and molasses; mix until well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
2. Fold in old fashioned oats gently.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Prepare your baking sheets:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Scoop dough onto prepared sheets about two inches apart.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While cookies cool:
1. In a bowl, mix sifted powdered sugar with milk or heavy cream until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract; adjust consistency if needed.
Step 8: Glaze Cookies
Once cooled:
1. Drizzle or spread glaze over each cookie generously.
2. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Enjoy these delightful treats! They make every occasion special!
How to Serve Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet snack, serving them with the right accompaniments can enhance their flavor.
With Coffee
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee for a classic combination. The rich flavors of the brown butter complement the coffee perfectly.
As Dessert
- Serve them as a comforting dessert after dinner. Their soft and chewy texture makes them a great end to any meal.
With Milk
- Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The sweetness of the glaze and the spices in the cookie taste amazing with milk.
For Holiday Gatherings
- Present these cookies on a festive platter during holiday parties. They not only taste great but also look beautiful for any occasion.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in decorative bags to give as party favors. Guests will appreciate this sweet surprise!

How to Perfect Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
To make sure your brown butter iced oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check that your baking soda and flour are fresh. This ensures the best rise and flavor in your cookies.
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Brown Butter Carefully: When browning the butter, watch it closely to avoid burning. You’re looking for a nutty aroma and light golden color.
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Chill the Dough: For even better texture, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
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Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar for the glaze eliminates lumps, ensuring a smooth finish on your iced oatmeal cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies pair well with different side dishes that can complement their flavors. Here are some great options:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfect for adding creaminess to each bite of cookie.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies with fresh flavors and textures.
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Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda on your serving tray for an interesting savory contrast.
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Hot Cocoa: Serve these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa during colder months for extra comfort.
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Spiced Nuts: A small bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a refreshing side that goes well with sweet treats like these cookies.
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Chai Tea: A cup of chai tea enhances the cozy spices found in the cookies, making it an ideal pairing for afternoon snacks or gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking is a delightful experience, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls when making brown butter iced oatmeal cookies and how to avoid them.
- Not browning the butter properly: If you don’t melt the butter until it’s golden brown, you miss out on that rich, nutty flavor. Watch for a change in color and smell to ensure success.
- Using old oats: Old fashioned oats provide the best texture for these cookies. Make sure your oats are fresh to achieve that perfect chewiness.
- Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Take the time to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Overbaking cookies: Cookies might look underdone when you take them out, but they continue to bake on the pan. Stick to the recommended time for soft and chewy cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Reheating Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.
What makes brown butter iced oatmeal cookies special?
Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates these iced oatmeal cookies beyond ordinary recipes.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
Yes! You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or maple syrup instead of molasses for different flavors.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies should look slightly underbaked and will firm up as they cool. They should be golden around the edges with a soft center.
How can I customize my brown butter iced oatmeal cookies?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are not just tasty; they’re also beautiful and perfect for any occasion. With their cozy flavors and soft textures, they make a delightful treat during holidays or any day you’re craving something sweet. Don’t hesitate to try customizing them with your favorite mix-ins!
Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies, where the nutty richness of brown butter meets the comforting chewiness of oats. These cookies are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, thanks to their glossy vanilla glaze. Perfect for holiday celebrations or a cozy snack at home, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, ensuring you impress family and friends with minimal effort. With each bite, enjoy a symphony of warm spices and sweet icing that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- In a mixer bowl, combine browned butter with both sugars and beat until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; then mix in vanilla and molasses.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture; fold in oats gently.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for the glaze; drizzle over cooled cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg