Name: Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats; 1.67 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.75 cups unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 1 cups packed light or dark brown sugar; 0.25 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 0.25 cups unsulphured or dark molasses (do not use blackstrap; prefer Grandma's brand); 1.5 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar; 0.25 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1.5 tablespoons milk; small pinch ground cinnamon; small pinch ground ginger

Introduction to Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s just something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies combine the warm, cozy spices of gingerbread with the wholesome goodness of oats, making them a delightful treat worth trying.

What Makes Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies a Must-Try?

These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and a medley of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a heartwarming flavor that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Plus, the addition of oats gives them a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible!

What sets these cookies apart is the icing. With just a simple drizzle, you can elevate their appearance, making them perfect for gifting or sharing at parties. As they set, you can stack them without worrying about making a mess. In a rush? You can whip up the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days—easy peasy!

Whether you're having a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy. Ready to dive into this scrumptious recipe? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

When it comes to baking Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies, having quality ingredients makes all the difference! Here's a rundown of what's needed to create these delightful treats.

Essential Ingredients for the Cookies

To achieve that chewy, soft texture and rich gingerbread flavor, gather the following essentials:

Old-fashioned whole rolled oats: 2 cups (170g) bring the perfect chewiness.
All-purpose flour: 1 and ⅔ cups (210g) for structure.
Baking soda & salt: 1 teaspoon and ½ teaspoon boost the cookies’ rise.
Spices: 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 and ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves create that signature holiday flavor.
Butter, brown sugar, & molasses: ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter and a combination of 1 cup (200g) brown sugar and ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar balance sweetness with rich flavors.

Key Ingredients for the Icing

The icing adds the perfect final touch to your Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Confectioners' sugar: 1 and ½ cups (180g), sifted for that smooth texture.
Pure vanilla extract: ¼ teaspoon enhances flavor.
Milk: 1.5 to 2 tablespoons provides the right consistency.
Spices: A small pinch of ground cinnamon and ground ginger adds depth.

For more tips on baking with spices, check out the Spice and Herb Guide. Happy baking!

Step-by-step Preparation of Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Baking Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting scents of holiday spices. Let’s dive right into the step-by-step process that’ll have you whipping up these delightful cookies in no time!

Prepare the oats

Start by pulsing your old-fashioned whole rolled oats in a food processor. You want to achieve a mix of chopped oats and a bit of oat flour. This will give your cookies the perfect chewy texture. If you don’t have a food processor, a quick chop with a knife will also do the trick.

Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pulsed oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and spices: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend not only adds flavor but also ensures an even distribution of ingredients in your dough. Pro tip: always level your flour for precise measurement to avoid density issues.

Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened unsalted butter and both the brown and granulated sugars. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed for about three minutes. This is crucial for achieving light, fluffy cookies! Once creamed, add the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Blend on low until just combined. The dough will be quite thick and sticky—don’t worry, that’s the texture you want! Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later on.

Scoop and bake the cookies

After chilling, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, placing them three inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 12-13 minutes until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet!

Make and apply the icing

As your cookies cool, whip up a quick icing by combining sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk (start with one tablespoon) to achieve a thick consistency. Lightly if not drench dip each cookie in the icing and let them set for a few hours. For an extra festive touch, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Happy baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies ready to impress your friends and family. They make great gifts, too—who wouldn’t love a box of homemade cookies?

Variations on Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Gluten-free Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

For those following a gluten-free lifestyle, you can easily adapt this recipe. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free to keep it safe. This version sacrifices none of the delightful spice and flavor of traditional gingerbread. The result? Soft, chewy, and just as festive—and perfectly suitable for sharing this holiday season!

Spiced Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Want to elevate your Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies? Consider adding more warmth with additional spices! Toss in a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a unique twist. You might also experiment with different sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, for a subtle top note. This playful variation keeps your cookie jar interesting, and who wouldn’t love a tasty surprise when diving in?

Cooking Tips and Notes for Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Best Practices for Storage

To keep your Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need more time, pop them in the fridge for up to ten days. Planning to keep them longer? They freeze beautifully! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper and use a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn.

Tips for Achieving the Right Texture

Achieving that perfect combination of chewiness and softness is key! Remember to pulse the oats for varying textures—this contributes to the desired consistency. Chilling the dough is essential since it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If your dough feels too hard after a long chill, let it warm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping. Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies while baking; you want them lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center!

These tips will help ensure your cookies are a hit! If you're interested in more baking secrets, consider checking out Sally's Baking Addiction for additional insights.

Serving Suggestions for Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Ideal Pairings with Beverages

Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies are perfect with a variety of beverages. Consider enjoying them with:

Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai complement the gingerbread flavors beautifully.
Hot Cocoa: A rich cocoa adds a decadent treat, especially during cozy winter evenings.
Coffee: Brew a savory cup of earthy coffee to balance the sweetness of the icing.

Presentation Ideas for Gifting

These cookies make wonderful gifts! Try these ideas to present them beautifully:

Decorative Boxes: Place a dozen in a beautifully decorated box, adding a festive touch with ribbon.
Mason Jars: Layer cookies in a mason jar for a rustic gift that’s ideal for friends.
Cookie Tins: Choose a themed tin to hold your cookies, adding a personal note inside for a heartfelt gesture.

For further inspiration on gifting ideas, check out this lovely resource from Martha Stewart.

Time Breakdown for Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Preparation Time

The preparation for these delightful Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies takes about 45 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, pulsing those oats, and chilling the dough—a crucial step for the perfect texture.

Baking Time

Once your dough is ready, baking is a quick affair! Expect to spend about 13 minutes in the oven for each batch, resulting in cookies that are beautifully golden on the edges while remaining soft in the center.

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooling and icing time. It’s a manageable time commitment for homemade cookies bursting with flavor that will impress family and friends alike!

By breaking down your time, you can plan accordingly, ensuring that you savor each delicious bite of your iced gingerbread goodness. Interested in more cookie tips? Check out this baking guide!

Nutritional Facts for Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Calories per cookie

These delightful Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies contain approximately 130 calories each, making them a sweet yet sensible treat to enjoy during the holidays or on any cozy day.

Sugar content

With around 8 grams of sugar per cookie, these cookies balance sweetness with the wholesome flavors of spices and oats, creating a delicious, festive flavor profile.

Fiber content

Each cookie packs about 1.5 grams of fiber, thanks to the inclusion of whole rolled oats. This adds a bit of nutrition to your sweet indulgence, helping you feel satisfied without overindulging.

For further details on the nutritional benefits of your favorite ingredients, check out resources like Nutrition.gov for easy references. Enjoy baking and savoring these flavorful cookies!

FAQ about Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze both the baked Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies and the unbaked dough. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container for up to three months, while unbaked cookie dough balls can be frozen for the same length of time. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or granulated sugar by a quarter cup. Alternatively, consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol for an even lower-calorie option—just make sure to check the packaging for equivalent measurements.

What can I substitute for molasses?

If you're out of molasses, you can replace it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. While it may slightly alter the depth of flavor, these alternatives will still create deliciously soft cookies. For a non-sweet option, try using brown sugar mixed with a bit of water until smooth.

Feel free to share your baking experiences in the comments or check out Sally's Baking Addiction for more scrumptious cookie recipes!

Conclusion on Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

In summary, these Iced Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies combine heartwarming flavors with delightful textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and share the joy with friends and family!