Name: Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 2 eggs (at room temperature); 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (all purpose flour will also work); 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (can also use quick oats for flatter cookies); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk

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There’s something incredibly comforting about baking, especially when it comes to making Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies. It reminds me of childhood afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, her laughter mixing with the aroma of baked goodies wafting through the air. She taught me that the secret to a delicious cookie lies not just in the ingredients, but in the love and care you pour into the process. These cookies are a perfect example, blending the rich, nutty flavors of brown butter with the wholesome goodness of oats. As the cookies bake, the sweet smell fills your home, inviting friends and family to gather around the kitchen. The final touch? A drizzle of creamy icing that adds just the right amount of sweetness. What’s not to love about that?

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
9 g

Tools Used:
Food Processor, Oven, Baking Sheet, Skillet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

The Charm of This Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

It’s All About the Brown Butter

First things first, let’s talk about that brown butter. Melting it until it turns a gorgeous golden hue and develops a nutty aroma is a game changer. This technique transforms what could be a standard cookie into a rich, flavor-packed delight. The depth of flavor adds a twist that you simply won’t get from regular butter.

Wholesome Ingredients

These cookies are packed with whole wheat pastry flour and old fashioned rolled oats, making them a bit more nutritious than your average cookie. The oats lend a chewy texture, and the whole wheat flour provides a subtle nuttiness. You can feel good about indulging in a treat that has some wholesome elements!

Perfectly Iced

Let’s not forget the icing! A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla creates a sweet, creamy topping that complements the cookies beautifully. It’s the cherry on top, elevating these cookies from delicious to extraordinary.

Customize to Your Heart’s Content

One of the best things about the Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies is their versatility. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of nuts. It’s a base cookie recipe that invites creativity!

Sharing is Caring

Finally, cookies are meant to be shared. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cookie swap, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the delightful warmth that comes from sharing homemade treats.

Shopping List for Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

When it comes to making these cookies, the quality and combination of ingredients are key. Each component plays a vital role in creating the wonderful flavor and texture of the Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients that make this dessert a homey staple.

1 cup unsalted butter – The base of our cookies, browned to perfection for a nutty flavor.
1 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and a slight crispiness.
2 teaspoons vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
2 eggs, at room temperature – Binds the ingredients and helps the cookies rise.
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour – A healthier option that adds a nutty taste.
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats – Provides texture and chewiness.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – A hint of nutty flavor.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
1 cup powdered sugar – For the icing, adds sweetness and creaminess.
2 tablespoons milk – Helps achieve the right icing consistency.

Making Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part – making these delicious cookies! It’s a simple process that will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Follow these steps to create your own batch of Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick and come off easily after baking.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it starts to melt, whisk it consistently. Watch closely as it begins to crackle and foam, which is a sign that it’s on its way to becoming brown butter.
After a few minutes, the butter will develop a golden color and a nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat as soon as it turns a deep brown, being careful to not let it burn.
Transfer the brown butter to a mixing bowl, scraping all those delicious brown bits in as well. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Using an electric mixer, combine the brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until well blended, around one minute.
Add the eggs and vanilla, beating them in until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about another minute.
Next, add the dry ingredients: whole wheat pastry flour, old fashioned rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat on low speed until everything is just combined.
Use a medium cookie scoop (or your hands) to portion out the dough, making about one large tablespoon for each cookie. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring to leave at least two inches of space between each one.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, watching closely until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While your cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, additional vanilla, and milk in a separate bowl to create the icing. Stir until smooth with no lumps remaining.
Once the cookies have cooled, spoon about two teaspoons of icing onto each cookie, spreading it slightly. Place the cookies back on the wire rack so the icing can harden. And there you have it—your delicious Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

Things Worth Knowing

Brown butter adds a unique nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Using room temperature eggs helps to create a smooth batter, leading to better texture in your cookies.
Do not skip the chilling step for your cookie dough; it helps with the spreading during baking.
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to switch things up with your Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies, you’re in luck! There are numerous delicious variations you can try out to keep things exciting.

Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich twist.
Incorporate nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch.
Try dried fruit: Add dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of sweetness.
Experiment with spices: A dash of cardamom or ginger can add a unique flavor.
Make them festive: Decorate with festive icing for holidays or special occasions.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well; freeze them uniced for up to three months. Just thaw and ice when ready to serve!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Serving your Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies is just as important as making them! Here are some delightful ways you can enjoy these cookies:

As a dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
With coffee or tea: Pair these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a comforting afternoon snack.
At gatherings: These cookies are fantastic for parties, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. They’ll disappear in no time!
With breakfast: Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast twist.
For children: They make a great after-school snack for kids, bringing a taste of homemade goodness to their day.
Seasonal events: Decorate them festively for special occasions like Christmas or birthdays.
Storage tips: Store them properly to keep them soft and fresh, ideally in an airtight container.

FAQ

Brown butter is simply regular butter that has been cooked longer until it turns a beautiful golden brown color. This process enhances its flavor, giving it a nutty aroma that’s perfect for baking. The toasting of the milk solids in the butter is what creates that rich taste that elevates cookies and other baked goods. Using brown butter in your Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies adds a depth of flavor that makes them truly special.

Absolutely! The Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies are delicious even without the icing. You can enjoy them as they are, or you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits. Leaving off the icing will also create a more wholesome treat, perfect for a snack or a quick breakfast option. Feel free to experiment and customize to your taste!

The best way to store your Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies is to place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them uniced. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw and then ice them if desired.

For this recipe, you can use either old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats. Old fashioned rolled oats will give you a chewier texture, while quick oats will create flatter cookies. If you’re in a pinch and only have instant oats, they can work too, but the texture might be slightly different. Whichever oat type you choose, you’ll still end up with a delicious cookie!

Conclusion

The Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the richness of brown butter with the wholesome goodness of oats. This recipe not only offers a comforting, nostalgic flavor but also invites creativity in the kitchen. I encourage you to give these cookies a try; they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Bake them for your next gathering, or enjoy them as a sweet treat for yourself!