Name: Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491930H36M6S
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 60 reviews

There is something absolutely magical about the Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that sets it apart from your typical cookie. Combining the nutty, caramel-like aroma of browned butter with the hearty chew of oats, and topped with a silky-smooth vanilla glaze, these cookies deliver an unforgettable flavor experience. Every bite is a perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and texture, making them an instant favorite to share with friends or savor on your own with a cozy cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, slightly rough mixture of light brown dough with visible bits of oats. A white spatula with a wooden handle is partially dipped into the dough, showing its soft and sticky texture. The dough’s color is consistent throughout with small clumps and ridges, and the bowl’s sides have some dough traces stuck to them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the richness of the browned butter, the comforting spices, or the light vanilla icing that finishes the cookie perfectly.

Unsalted butter (1 1/4 cups): Essential to brown slowly for that deep nutty flavor without adding extra salt.
Old fashioned oats (2 cups): Provides chewy texture and that wholesome oatmeal goodness.
All-purpose flour (2 cups plus 4 tbsp): The backbone that gives structure to your cookies.
Baking soda (2 tsp): Helps your cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Adds cozy warmth and spice.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): A subtle hint of earthy spice that complements the cinnamon.
Salt (1 1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Light brown sugar (1 cup): Brings moisture and a mild molasses note.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and crunch.
Large eggs (2): For richness, moisture, and binding the dough.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds depth and fragrant sweetness.
Molasses (2 tbsp): Not blackstrap—just enough for a rich, complex undertone.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the smooth and sweet icing.
Milk or heavy cream (3 tbsp): To make the icing silky and easy to drizzle.
Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): For icing flavor enhancement.

How to Make Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The key here is patience and close attention; as the butter heats, it will begin to foam and crackle, releasing those fantastic toasted notes. Keep stirring until you see golden brown bits settling at the bottom and the lovely amber hue fills the pan. This browned butter is going to make these cookies unforgettable. Don’t let it get too dark—aim for a rich golden and aromatic butter that’s ready to pour!

Step 2: Prepare the Oats and Dry Ingredients

While the butter cools, give your oats a quick pulse in a food processor until they are a mixture of fine crumbs and larger pieces—this helps add texture and prevents the cookies from being too dense. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl. This spice-infused dry mix will bring warmth and flavor to your cookies.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

Once your brown butter has cooled to just warm, whisk in both the brown and granulated sugars until everything is well blended. Now, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and glossy. Stir in the molasses and watch how these ingredients come together to form the soulful base of your cookie dough. Fold in the dry mix and processed oats gently, being careful not to overmix, to maintain that tender texture in the finished cookie.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Use a medium cookie scoop to drop uniform portions of dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the dough and chill it overnight or for at least three hours—this step intensifies the flavor and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment. Arrange your chilled dough balls about two to three inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges set and turn a light golden brown. The centers might look slightly soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make and Add the Icing

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla to create a luscious icing. Drizzle or spread this over your cooled oatmeal cookies to add a sweet finishing touch, turning each bite into a perfect harmony of chewy, buttery cookie with a smooth vanilla glaze.

How to Serve Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

The image shows several rounded scoops of light brown cookie dough arranged closely together on a white metal baking tray. Each scoop has a slightly rough texture with visible pieces of oats, giving them a coarse and chunky look. The dough balls are uniform in size and shape, with some uneven spots and small cracks on their surfaces. The background is a softly blurred white marbled texture, highlighting the warm, beige color of the cookie dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted oats atop the icing before it sets. If you’re feeling extra festive, crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top add a delightful crunch and even more nutty goodness to complement the brown butter flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with classic beverage companions such as a warm cup of chai, coffee, or hot chocolate. For a brunch setting, serve alongside a creamy latte or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking these iced oatmeal cookies on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a sophisticated touch. You could also sandwich a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert treat that will wow guests at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week or sharing with friends near and far.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will refresh the soft texture and slightly melt that icing, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

While quick oats will work in a pinch, old fashioned oats provide better texture and chewiness, which are key characteristics of this recipe’s delightful mouthfeel.

What if I don’t have molasses on hand?

You can substitute molasses with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or honey, but molasses adds a unique, deep flavor that truly complements the brown butter.

Is it okay to skip chilling the dough?

Chilling is crucial to develop flavor and control spread during baking. Skipping this step may result in less flavorful and thinner cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten.

How thick should the icing be?

The icing should be pourable but not too runny. Adding the milk or cream gradually helps you reach a consistency perfect for drizzling or spreading gently.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress with a cookie that feels truly special yet is wonderfully approachable to make, you simply must try this Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. From the intoxicating aroma of browned butter to the perfect spice balance and the silky icing, these cookies are a delicious way to brighten any day. Grab your ingredients and bake a batch—you, your family, and friends are in for a real treat!