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Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

4.6 from 122 reviews

These Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies offer a delightful blend of rich, nutty browned butter with the wholesome texture of oats and a warm hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Finished with a creamy vanilla icing, these cookies are soft yet chewy, perfect for a comforting treat or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

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 extract
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (not blackstrap)

For the Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare for Baking: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring occasionally. Watch closely as the butter foams and crackles; after about 4-5 minutes, golden brown bits will form at the bottom and the butter will turn an amber color with a nutty aroma. Remove promptly to prevent burning and pour into a large bowl, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Let cool for 20 minutes.
  3. Process the Oats: While the butter cools, pulse the old fashioned oats in a food processor until you achieve a mix of fine crumbs and larger bits resembling a coarse oat flour. Set aside.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  5. Combine Sugars and Butter: Once the browned butter has cooled to the touch, whisk in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined and smooth, about 1 minute.
  6. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is well blended. Then stir in the molasses thoroughly.
  7. Combine Dry Ingredients and Oats: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture and pulsed oats into the wet ingredients using a large spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful to fold and not overmix to maintain a tender texture.
  8. Shape and Chill the Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion uniform balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Cover them and refrigerate overnight or at least 3 hours to allow the dough to firm up and flavors to meld.
  9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for baking.
  10. Bake the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough balls and place them 2 to 3 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly golden brown. Avoid overbaking for the best soft and chewy texture.
  11. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
  12. Make the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy enough to drizzle.
  13. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the vanilla icing on top. Let the icing set before serving.

Notes

  • Be attentive when browning the butter as it can quickly burn once it passes the golden stage.
  • Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor development and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  • Molasses adds a subtle depth of flavor and moisture that balances the sweetness.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a vegan butter and use plant-based milk for the icing.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: brown butter oatmeal cookies, iced oatmeal cookies, chewy oatmeal cookies, cinnamon oatmeal cookies, homemade cookies, fall cookies