Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting and delightful treat that will win over your family and friends, then this Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cozy spices, making them perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. The sweet vanilla glaze adds a lovely finish that makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
- Family Favorite: The warm flavors of brown butter and spices will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you need a sweet treat.
- Versatile Flavor: Perfect for holidays or any day, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round!
- Deliciously Unique: The brown butter adds a nutty richness that takes traditional oatmeal cookies to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have on hand. Each one contributes to the rich flavor and delightful texture of your cookies.
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 Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and add-ins.
- Add Mix-Ins: Toss in some chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Switch Up the Sweetness: Try using coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences.
How to Make Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it consistently until it bubbles and turns golden brown. This step is crucial because browning the butter enhances its flavor, giving your cookies that nutty richness we love.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed. This ensures every bite of your cookie has that perfect spice balance.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the browned butter with both sugars until well combined. Then add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and molasses. This mixture brings all those wonderful flavors together!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix! This will help keep your cookies nice and tender.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While your cookies cool down, whisk together powdered sugar with milk (or cream) and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny. Drizzle it over your cooled cookies with a spoon or dip each one in for an extra sweet touch!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies! Whether you share them or savor them all yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these simple tips, you’ll ensure your cookies are nothing short of perfect!
- Brown the butter just right: Cooking the butter until it turns a golden brown adds a nutty flavor that elevates the cookies. Just be careful not to burn it—keep an eye on it as it melts!
- Use room temperature eggs: Ensuring your eggs are at room temperature helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more uniform texture and moisture.
- Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and leads to thicker, chewier cookies.
- Measure flour properly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This avoids packing too much flour into your measuring cup, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preference! Adding a pinch of cloves or ginger can also add a lovely warmth.
How to Serve Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas for presenting them beautifully!
Garnishes
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze for added crunch and flavor.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to bring a touch of fun and festive cheer, especially if you’re serving these cookies during the holidays.
Side Dishes
- Milk: A classic pairing; serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a comforting treat that everyone loves.
- Coffee or tea: The warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar complement brewed coffee or spiced chai perfectly, making this duo ideal for afternoon breaks.
- Fruit salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Fresh berries or citrus fruits add a refreshing contrast.
- Ice cream: For an indulgent dessert experience, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The warm cookie with cold ice cream is simply heavenly!
Enjoy baking these delightful treats, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage
These brown butter iced oatmeal cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and manage your delicious cookies.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For best freshness, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
- To freeze, ensure the cookies are completely cooled.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Enjoy fresh out of the oven or let them cool slightly before devouring!
FAQs
If you have any lingering questions about this recipe, you’re in the right place!
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats in the Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
While quick oats can be used, they will result in a different texture. Old fashioned oats give these cookies their chewy bite and classic oatmeal flavor.
How long will my Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature. If frozen, they can last up to 2 months.
Can I make this Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe without molasses?
Yes! If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making these brown butter iced oatmeal cookies as I am! Their cozy spice flavor and delightful glaze make them truly special for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with friends and family; they will surely love every bite! Happy baking!
Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies
If you’re searching for a delightful treat that offers both comfort and flavor, look no further than these Brown Butter Iced Oatmeal Cookies. Soft and chewy, these cookies are infused with cozy spices and crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze, making them perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknights to festive gatherings. The brown butter elevates each bite with a nutty richness that transforms traditional oatmeal cookies into something truly special. Easy to make and sure to become a family favorite, these cookies are destined to become a staple in your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups, plus 4 tablespoons 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, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Begin by browning the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; mix well.
- In another bowl, blend the browned butter with both sugars until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and molasses.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; drizzle over cooled cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 38g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
