Craving something sweet but want to keep it somewhat wholesome? These frosted oatmeal cookies are the perfect blend of hearty oats and sweet, creamy frosting, making them irresistible to kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into making these delightful treats that are sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of chewy oats and sweet frosting offers a perfect texture and flavor balance.
- Using brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the oatmeal’s nuttiness.
- The frosting is made with cream cheese, giving it a tangy contrast to the sweet cookie base.
- This recipe is versatile, allowing for various add-ins and frosting flavors to suit any taste.
- They’re easy to make, requiring no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven heats, let’s mix our dough.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The fluffier your mixture, the lighter your cookies will be.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure a smooth, uniform dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Fold in Oats
Gently fold in the rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The oats add texture and heartiness, making these cookies satisfyingly chewy.
Bake to Perfection
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Whip Up the Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, more powdered sugar.
Frost and Enjoy
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each one. Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving, if you can wait that long!
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth dough and frosting. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften butter in the microwave at 10-second intervals, but be careful not to melt it. For an extra flavor boost, toast the oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This enhances their nutty flavor. If you find your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. And finally, for a prettier presentation, use a piping bag to frost the cookies with a decorative swirl.
Recipe Variations
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
- Swap the vanilla extract in the frosting for maple or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- For a healthier twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use honey instead of brown sugar.
- Top the frosted cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies will be slightly different. Quick oats are more finely ground, so the cookies will be less chewy and more uniform in texture. If you prefer a heartier cookie, stick with rolled oats.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting contains cream cheese, which requires refrigeration. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to have fresh cookies anytime.
Summary
These frosted oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that combines the heartiness of oats with the sweetness of cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and customizable, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these cookies are sure to please.