Winter Market Caramel Frost (Print Version)
Spiced oatmeal raisin cookies with creamy caramel frosting, perfect for cozy winter occasions.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Cookies
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
10 - 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
11 - 1 cup raisins
→ Caramel Frosting
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
13 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
14 - 1/4 cup whole milk
15 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat together unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in rolled oats and raisins.
06 - Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake 11 to 13 minutes until edges turn golden and centres are set.
07 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
08 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
09 - Add whole milk and bring mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
10 - Whisk in sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt gradually until smooth and spreadable.
11 - Spread the caramel frosting evenly over cooled cookies. Allow frosting to set before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The caramel frosting transforms a humble oatmeal cookie into something that tastes like a treat you'd find at a fancy bakery.
- You can make the whole batch in under an hour, including cooling time, which means you can bake these on a weeknight.
- The spices and raisins keep things interesting without being complicated or fussy.
02 -
- The moment you add the milk to the hot caramel mixture, it will bubble up dramatically—this is normal and expected, so don't panic or turn up the heat.
- If your frosting is too thin, let it cool a few more minutes; if it's too thick, whisk in milk one teaspoon at a time until you hit the right consistency.
- Don't frost the cookies until they're completely cool, or the frosting will melt and slide off into a puddle.
03 -
- Room-temperature butter is non-negotiable—cold butter won't cream properly and your cookies will be dense instead of tender.
- Don't skip cooling the caramel mixture; if it's too hot when you whisk in the powdered sugar, the sugar will dissolve and your frosting will be thin and glossy instead of thick and spreadable.