Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you adore the cozy warmth of gingerbread and the hearty goodness of oatmeal cookies, then the Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite holiday treat. These soft, spiced cookies perfectly combine the rich molasses flavor of gingerbread with the chewy texture of oatmeal, all topped off with a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze that hardens just right. Every bite delivers a comforting mix of spice, sweetness, and that satisfying oatmeal chew, making it impossible to enjoy just one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and that irresistible golden color you’ll fall in love with.

• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Light brown sugar (2/3 cup, packed): Brings a deep caramel sweetness and moistness to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): For just the right amount of sweetness and slight crispness.
• Molasses (2 tablespoons): The heart of the gingerbread flavor, adding warmth and depth.
• Large egg + 1 large egg yolk: Bind the dough and contribute to a soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups): The base that holds everything together.
• Old fashioned oats (1 cup): Provides texture and wholesome chewiness.
• Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Ground ginger (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings that signature spicy ginger flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warmth and sweetness, perfectly complementing the ginger.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of spice without overpowering.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
• Powdered sugar (1 1/3 cups) for icing: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins out the powdered sugar to make the perfect icing consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for icing: Adds a lovely, fragrant finish.
• Pinch of salt for icing: Balances the sweetness in the glaze.

How to Make Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combining the Wet Ingredients

Start by mixing the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses in a large bowl with a silicone spatula. This blend sets the sweet, rich base and helps keep the cookies wonderfully moist. Next, whisk in the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully blended and glossy. This step ensures every cookie will have that perfect chewy softness.

Step 2: Adding the Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring the dough together. Add your flour, old fashioned oats, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt directly into the wet mixture. Gently fold everything until you no longer see streaks of flour. Don’t be alarmed if the dough seems wet at first; this is exactly how it should be. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes as the oats and flour soak in the moisture, thickening the dough and prepping it for baking.

Step 3: Preparing to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop ensures your cookies turn out evenly sized, so scoop out the dough and place it on the sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.

Step 4: Baking the Cookies

Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the cookies have puffed up and the edges turn a lovely light golden brown but the centers remain soft. This balance means your cookies will be just right — tender on the inside yet slightly crisp on the outside. After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up a bit before moving on to the icing.

Step 5: Making and Applying the Icing

While the cookies bake, mix your powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. This vanilla glaze is the crowning glory of the Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Spoon it gently over each warm cookie, spreading it all the way to the edges. The warmth helps the icing set nicely, creating a sweet and slightly crisp top layer once cooled. Allow the cookies to stay on the sheet until fully cool and the glaze is hardened before indulging.

How to Serve Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Want to dress up your Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe? Sprinkle a few festive touches like crushed candied ginger or a pinch of cinnamon on top of the glaze before it sets to add extra flavor and a decorative sparkle. A tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also bring a rich contrast to the sweet icing.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or a cozy mug of hot cocoa to compliment their warm spices and creamy glaze. A glass of cold milk or spiced apple cider also works beautifully, making these cookies a delightful treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

When sharing these cookies, arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks, star anise, and a small bowl of extra glaze for dipping. Gift them in festive boxes layered with parchment paper and tied with twine for a charming homemade present that’s sure to impress. You can even stack them with a dollop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create irresistible sandwich treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold their chewy texture and sweet glaze for up to a week, making them perfect for nibbling over several days or sharing with friends.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the uniced baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw completely and then add the glaze fresh for the best taste and texture. This method keeps the cookies fresh and prevents the glaze from melting during storage.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies as if freshly baked, warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and melts the icing slightly for a melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

While quick oats might be more convenient, old fashioned oats provide that classic chewy texture that defines this Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Using quick oats may result in a softer, less textured cookie, but it can work in a pinch.

What can I substitute for molasses if I don’t have any?

If molasses isn’t on hand, you can try dark corn syrup mixed with a little brown sugar or honey, but keep in mind that molasses gives these cookies their signature rich, slightly bitter depth. Using a substitute will change the flavor somewhat but will still be tasty.

How do I make sure the icing hardens properly?

Applying the glaze while the cookies are still warm is the key. The residual heat helps the icing set quickly and firm up into a delightful crackly finish. Also, avoid adding too much milk to the frosting to keep it thick enough to set nicely.

Can these cookies be made vegan or gluten-free?

To make this Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe vegan, you can substitute the butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives and use vegan-friendly sugar and molasses. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. Textures may vary, but with some experimentation, these can be adapted wonderfully.

Why does the dough seem so wet? Is something wrong?

The wet, sticky dough is completely normal for this recipe because the oats and flour need time to absorb the moisture. Letting the dough rest for 10 minutes before scooping will result in a thicker, easier-to-handle dough and chewier cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Gingerbread Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. The harmonious mix of spices, the hearty oats, and the sweet vanilla glaze all come together to create a cookie experience that’s perfect for celebrations or cozy nights by the fire. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough — it’s bound to become a beloved staple, bringing joy with every bite!

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