Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a sweet treat that balances nostalgic comfort with a fruity twist, you absolutely have to try this Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver the hearty chew of classic oatmeal with a playful, vibrant strawberry icing that makes each bite a celebration. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cozy gathering or just want to treat yourself, this recipe has a way of making the everyday feel a little more special. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an irreplaceable role in achieving those delightfully chewy cookies with a dreamy pink topping. These essentials bring out the rich, golden flavor of the oats, the warmth of cinnamon, and the eye-catching color of the strawberry icing.

• Unsalted butter: Browning this gives the cookies a deep, nutty flavor you just can’t get any other way.
• Old fashioned oats: Pulsed to create the perfect mix of bite and softness in every mouthful.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure, ensuring the cookies are sturdy yet tender.
• Baking soda: Lends a gentle rise, resulting in that perfect chewy texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spiced undertone that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Salt: Brightens the sweet flavors and keeps the balance just right.
• Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a bit of moisture and caramel flavor, boosting chewiness.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients, keeping everything together as they bake.
• Vanilla: A splash for classic cookie aroma and warmth.
• Molasses (or honey): Deepens the flavor and helps with that crave-worthy texture.
• Powdered sugar: The base of our luscious strawberry icing.
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder: For an intense berry punch and the prettiest natural pink color.
• Whole milk: Loosens the icing to the perfect dipping consistency.
• Gel pink food coloring (optional): For the most vibrant, festive strawberry hue.

How to Make Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. Trust me, you’ll want to have everything ready to go before diving into mixing the dough.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place your unsalted butter into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts, then continue stirring as it foams and crackles. Watch closely—once the crackle stops and the butter smells toasty with golden bits forming at the bottom, it’s ready! This is what gives these Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe their extra rich, almost butterscotchy taste. Pour every last bit into a bowl and let it cool for about 20–25 minutes.

Step 3: Pulse the Oats

While the butter cools, pulse your old fashioned oats in a food processor just enough to create a mix of fine crumbs with some chunky bits. This special texture creates that homey, bakery-style chew that sets these cookies apart.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Each brings its own magic: flour for stability, baking soda for lift, cinnamon for warmth, and salt to make everything pop.

Step 5: Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients

When the butter is cool to the touch, whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar for about a minute—this makes the dough ultra smooth. Then, add the egg and vanilla, mixing well, before stirring in molasses (or honey) for that beautiful depth. You’ll already notice the aroma starting to build!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add your dry ingredients and pulsed oats to the wet bowl and gently stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—this is your ticket to those perfectly chewy, tender cookies everyone loves!

Step 7: Scoop and Chill the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared sheet. Cover and chill overnight (or at least 3 hours) to develop flavor and prevent too much spreading in the oven. The anticipation is worth it!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

After chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange cold dough balls on lined baking sheets with space between each one. Bake one sheet at a time for 10–11 minutes, just until the edges are set and golden but the centers still look soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool. For bakery-perfect rounds, use a large round cookie cutter to gently nudge any uneven edges into shape right after baking.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This step is vital—if they’re too warm, the pretty pink icing will slide right off.

Step 10: Make the Strawberry Icing

In a bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and 2-3 tablespoons milk until you get a thick, luscious pink icing. If you want a brighter pink, stir in a drop of gel food coloring now. The icing should be thick enough to cling to the cookies—add milk or sugar as needed for the right consistency.

Step 11: Dip and Set

Gently dunk each cooled cookie top into the icing, letting any excess drip away, then flip upright and place on a wire rack to set. The icing will firm up with a soft, glossy finish—pure eye candy!

How to Serve Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Try sprinkling a touch of extra freeze-dried strawberry powder, a few finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries, or even edible glitter on top just after icing for an Instagram-worthy finish. Each little sprinkle adds a pop of color and flavor that makes your batch extra special!

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or even a frothy strawberry milkshake for the ultimate afternoon treat. If you’re serving for brunch or a gathering, offer alongside other fruit-forward bakes to round out the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe on a pastel cake stand for a sweet centerpiece, or portion them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts. You can even make a cookie sandwich by slathering a little mascarpone or cream cheese filling between two cookies for a decadent twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the icing is completely set, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay wonderfully chewy, and the icing will hold its shine and color. Just be sure the cookies are fully cool before packing them up to avoid any stickiness.

Freezing

This Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is freezer-friendly! Freeze un-iced cookies in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and ice just before serving, or freeze fully decorated cookies and separate layers with wax paper.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a touch of their chewiness, pop them in the microwave for five seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth. For a light crisp edge, reheat on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for just a couple minutes—your kitchen will smell heavenly all over again.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of old fashioned oats?

I recommend sticking with old fashioned oats for this Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Their hearty texture is key, but if you’re in a pinch, instant oats can work—they’ll just yield a softer, less chewy result.

Is there a substitute for freeze-dried strawberry powder?

If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can blitz regular dried strawberries to a powder, though the flavor won’t be quite as intense or vibrant in color as the real thing.

Can I double this Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe for parties?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches. These cookies keep well, so they’re perfect for making ahead for larger gatherings or gifting.

Why does the dough need to chill so long?

Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for perfectly chewy cookies that spread just right when baked. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth every minute.

What’s the best way to make the cookies look extra pretty?

For those bakery-perfect rounds, “scoot” the fresh-from-the-oven cookies into shape with a large round cutter. Top with a little extra strawberry powder or edible flowers for a show-stopping finish that matches their amazing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe enough—it truly brings out the best of classic oatmeal cookies with a vibrant, fruity spin. Each bite is a mix of cozy, chewy, and refreshingly sweet, making these treats perfect for any season. Give them a try and watch them disappear; I promise, they’re as fun to bake as they are to share!

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