Description
These Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies feature a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter combined with hearty old-fashioned oats, finished with a sweet, creamy icing for a perfect balance of texture and taste.
Ingredients
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or cream
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and continue cooking, swirling often, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat together the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until just combined. Fold in the oats. Chill the dough for 30 minutes (optional).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Make the icing: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thick. Dip or drizzle the icing over cooled cookies.
- Let the icing set before storing or serving.
Notes
Chilling the dough is optional but improves cookie texture and shape.
Add chopped pecans or raisins for variation.
Swap vanilla in icing for maple extract for a seasonal maple glaze.
Add ground nutmeg or cloves for a spiced version.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat briefly in the microwave to freshen, avoiding heating too long to protect the icing.
For dairy-free icing, substitute milk or cream with plant-based milk like almond milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approx. 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg