Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
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.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: overnight (minimum 3 hours chilling plus 40 minutes active time)
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prepare for Baking: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is well blended. Then stir in the molasses thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy enough to drizzle.
- 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