Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are exactly what you need. Packed with tender oats, the comforting spice of cinnamon, and juicy bursts of diced apple, these cookies balance sweetness and wholesome ingredients perfectly. They’re chewy yet soft, with a lovely homemade icing that adds a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies never fail to impress with their rustic charm and delightful flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right with Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies is all about simple, quality ingredients that work in harmony. Each component brings its own magic—from the hearty oats giving texture to the warm spices that infuse every bite with autumnal goodness.
- Unsweetened applesauce (2/3 cup / 160g): Reducing this concentrates natural apple sweetness without added sugar.
- Old-fashioned whole rolled oats (2 cups / 170g): Provides the chewy base and wholesome body.
- All-purpose flour (1 and 1/4 cups / 156g): The structure builder, spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for the perfect texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice delivering that signature warmth.
- Ground allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an exotic depth with hints of clove and nutmeg.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens the spice blend with a subtle zest.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup / 113g): For richness and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Adds clean sweetness and helps with browning.
- Light or dark brown sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- Egg yolk (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients while keeping cookies soft.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- Finely diced apples (3/4 cup / 90g): Provides juicy bursts and fresh texture.
- Chopped walnuts, optional (1/2 cup / 63g): Offers crunch and nutty contrast.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons / 28g, for icing): Melts into the maple syrup for a rich glaze.
- Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup / 80ml): Natural sweetness with a signature maple flavor.
- Sifted confectioners’ sugar (1 cup / 112g): Creates a smooth icing to drizzle on top.
- Pinch of salt, to taste (for icing): Balances the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Reduce the Applesauce
Start by gently simmering the applesauce in a saucepan until it’s reduced by half. This step intensifies the apple flavor and minimizes moisture, so your cookies won’t turn out soggy. Set aside to cool as this will be integral in creating the batter’s perfect consistency.
Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats for easy cleanup. Meanwhile, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of your spices and leavening agents for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and lighter in color, about 5 minutes. This creaming step traps air, making for a tender crumb. Be sure to scrape the bowl occasionally to fully incorporate all ingredients.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the reduced applesauce, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract until just combined. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and depth to the dough, complementing the oats and spices beautifully.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Add Apples plus Walnuts
Slowly add the dry oat and flour mixture to the wet batter, beating on low to bring it all together. Then fold in the finely diced apples and walnuts if you’re using them. The dough will be thick and sticky, signaling a satisfying cookie texture ahead.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a medium cookie scoop, place generous mounds of dough about three inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges turn a warm golden brown and the centers look set but still soft. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 10 minutes—they firm up nicely as they cool.
Step 7: Make the Maple Butter Icing
While cookies cool, melt butter and maple syrup together over low heat, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in confectioners’ sugar until velvety. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness, then drizzle this luscious glaze over the cookies. Let it set for about an hour for that perfect finish.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar right after glazing your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. Not only do these enhance the visual appeal, but they also amplify the nutty, warm notes already present in the cookie.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chai tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Their spice and sweetness complement creamy beverages perfectly, making for a cozy afternoon snack or a delightful after-dinner treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn serving into an experience by arranging the cookies on a wooden board with fresh apple slices and small bowls of maple syrup or whipped cream for dipping. For gatherings, wrap individual cookies in parchment and tie with twine for charming, edible favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days—perfect for enjoying over a couple of snack times without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy a treat whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, warm frozen or room-temperature cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their texture nicely without drying them out, especially if you enjoy them with that irresistible maple butter icing.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well in this recipe, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The cookies may be a bit more delicate but will still be delicious.
Are these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies vegan?
Not as written, since they include butter and egg yolk. However, you can experiment with vegan butter and an egg replacer to make them vegan-friendly, although the texture might vary slightly.
Can I skip the nuts or replace them with something else?
Definitely. Walnuts add a lovely crunch, but feel free to omit them if you have allergies or preferences. You can also swap in pecans or even dried cranberries for a different twist.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much during baking?
Chilling the dough briefly before baking or doubling the flour slightly can help keep the cookies thicker. Also, careful measurement of butter and sugars ensures the right balance to prevent excess spreading.
What’s the best way to dice the apples for these cookies?
Use a sharp knife to finely dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even distribution so each bite has a burst of juicy apple without weighing down the dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies that makes baking and sharing them such a joy. They bring cozy flavors and comforting textures together in a way that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon treat or a festive bake for friends, I encourage you to try this recipe and savor every delicious bite.
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies made with reduced applesauce, warm spices, diced apples, and optional walnuts. Finished with a rich maple butter glaze, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and autumn flavors, ideal for cozy snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (160g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light or dark brown sugar (dark recommended)
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (170g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1 and 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup (90g) finely diced apples
- 1/2 cup (63g) chopped walnuts (optional)
Icing
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
- pinch salt, to taste
Instructions
- Reduce the applesauce: Place the applesauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the amount reduces by half to about 1/3 cup (80g). This takes approximately 10 minutes. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add wet ingredients to creamed mixture: To the creamed butter mixture, add the reduced applesauce, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until fully combined, scraping the bowl occasionally.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Then fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts, if using. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Portion and arrange dough: Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons or 35g of dough), drop mounds of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies are set. The centers will remain soft; they will firm up as they cool. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the icing: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the maple syrup, whisking occasionally. Once melted and combined, remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Glaze the cookies: Drizzle the maple butter icing over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set for about 1 hour before serving.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- The optional walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Reducing the applesauce concentrates its flavor and prevents excess moisture in the dough, ensuring chewy cookies.
- Cookie dough will be quite thick and sticky; using a cookie scoop helps portion evenly.
- Cookies look soft when baked but will firm up as they cool.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure the confectioners’ sugar is vegan.
- The icing sets after about 1 hour but can remain slightly soft depending on room temperature.
- Store leftovers properly to maintain texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies, maple glaze cookies, chewy oatmeal cookies, autumn cookies, spiced cookies, homemade cookies, walnut cookies
