These Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe are an absolute delight, combining the rich flavor of brown butter with the comforting texture of oatmeal. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies stand out with their soft and chewy consistency, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- For the Icing
- How to Make Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Step 5: Bake Cookies
- Step 6: Prepare the Icing
- Step 7: Ice Your Cookies
- How to Serve Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- With Hot Beverages
- As Dessert Platters
- For Celebratory Occasions
- How to Perfect Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Reheating Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I customize the spices in my Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
- How do I know when my Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies are done baking?
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
- What is the best way to store leftover iced oatmeal cookies?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The nutty taste of brown butter pairs beautifully with warm spices, creating a cookie that is both comforting and indulgent.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or just as a special treat during the week.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Impressive Presentation: The glossy glaze not only enhances flavor but also makes these cookies visually appealing.
- Great for Sharing: With 24 servings, these cookies are ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies, gather the essential tools you will need in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make it easy to cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet promotes even baking, helping to achieve that ideal soft texture.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup after baking.
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!
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
- 2 tablespoons molasses (not blackstrap)
For the Icing
- 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: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your stand mixer bowl, add the browned butter along with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla and molasses. Continue mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Fold in old-fashioned oats gently.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While cookies bake, whisk together sifted powdered sugar with milk or heavy cream and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
Step 7: Ice Your Cookies
Once cooled slightly on racks, drizzle or spread icing generously over each cookie. Allow icing to set before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe as they become an instant favorite for everyone!
How to Serve Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them in different ways can enhance your experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: Pair these cookies with a rich cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate for a sweet and indulgent combination.
- Tea: A soothing herbal or spiced tea complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.
As Dessert Platters
- Cookie Platter: Arrange these cookies on a platter with other holiday treats for a festive display.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches for an extra special dessert.
For Celebratory Occasions
- Holiday Gifts: Package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts during the holiday season.
- Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for unique party favors.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
To ensure your brown butter iced oatmeal cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and butter to room temperature helps create a better texture in the cookies.
- Brown the Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely while browning it to avoid burning. Aim for a nutty aroma and golden color.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help improve the flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they’re done when edges are lightly golden but centers look soft.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
While these cookies shine on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate their taste even further. Here are some great options to consider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs well with the spiced flavors of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Serve with a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sophisticated touch.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add a fun and indulgent element that complements cookie flavors.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and flavor contrast, making for an excellent snack alongside the cookies.
- Hot Apple Cider: Warm apple cider brings out fall flavors, perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday festivities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making your brown butter iced oatmeal cookies.
- Not browning the butter properly: Ensure you cook the butter until it’s golden brown and fragrant. This step adds a nutty flavor that enhances the cookie.
- Using wet or cold eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, leading to better texture. Always bring your eggs to room temperature before using them.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy cookies.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and allows flavors to meld. Don’t skip this important step!
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement. Too much flour can dry out your cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for about 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe.
Can I customize the spices in my Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add different spices like ginger or cloves according to your taste preferences.
How do I know when my Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies are done baking?
The edges will be lightly golden, while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can use quick oats, old-fashioned oats provide better texture. For best results, stick with old-fashioned oats.
What is the best way to store leftover iced oatmeal cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite spices or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved treat for any occasion!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of flavors with this Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies feature a rich, nutty taste from the browned butter and a comforting chewy texture thanks to old-fashioned oats. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they are perfect for any occasion—be it holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack. With their impressive appearance and warm spices, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, then cool slightly.
- Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- In a stand mixer, combine browned butter with sugars; add eggs one at a time along with vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in oats.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg