There’s something magical about the scent of apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies baking in the oven. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and soft oats fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma that instantly feels like fall. I remember the first time I made these cookies — it was a crisp October afternoon, and the leaves outside were turning gold and red. The batch disappeared before they even cooled completely! These cookies have since become a yearly tradition, loved for their soft, cake-like texture and the irresistible maple glaze that makes them truly special. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack, baking for friends, or preparing for a fall gathering, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep forever.
The Story Behind Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
A cozy fall memory in every bite
Every fall, I find myself drawn to the kitchen to bake something that captures the season’s spirit. Apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are my go-to comfort bake. They remind me of apple picking trips, hot cider, and cool evenings by the fire. The soft oatmeal base gives them a chewy texture, while diced apples add little pockets of natural sweetness. Each bite feels like autumn wrapped in a cookie.
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies drizzled with maple glaze — the ultimate fall cookie recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups rolled oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped apple
2 tsp lemon juice
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp milk
2 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
3. Combine flour, oats, cinnamon, soda, cloves, and salt. Add to wet mixture.
4. Toss apples in lemon juice, fold into dough. Scoop onto baking sheet.
5. Bake 12–14 minutes. Cool completely before glazing.
6. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
Use Granny Smith apples for tartness.
Keep apple pieces small (1/4 inch).
Store cookies airtight for 2–3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
The secret to that perfect texture
Unlike classic crisp oatmeal cookies, these have a soft, cake-like crumb thanks to the right balance of butter, oats, and apples. The key is to keep the apple pieces small — about ¼ inch cubes — so they bake evenly and blend seamlessly into the dough. Granny Smith apples add a subtle tartness that balances the brown sugar sweetness perfectly. A drizzle of maple glaze on top turns a simple cookie into something extraordinary.
Why These Oatmeal Cookies Are a Fall Favorite
Flavor that defines the season
The blend of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla in these oatmeal cookies with apple cinnamon creates the ultimate fall flavor profile. Each ingredient plays its part: cinnamon adds warmth, cloves add depth, and vanilla ties it all together with a sweet aroma. When baked, these cookies release a scent that makes your whole house smell like a bakery in autumn.
Perfect balance of texture and taste
The oats give these cookies heartiness, while the apples keep them moist and tender. Unlike dense cookies, these bake up soft with slightly crisp edges. The glaze adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the cookie itself. If you’re someone who loves both apple pie and oatmeal cookies, this recipe beautifully bridges the two worlds.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Step-by-Step
Mixing the base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy — this step creates that irresistible chewy texture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. The mixture should look creamy and smooth.
Combining dry ingredients and apples
In another bowl, whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until evenly blended. Toss the chopped apples in lemon juice to prevent browning, then fold them gently into the dough. Scoop into 2-tablespoon portions and flatten slightly before baking for 12–14 minutes. Once golden around the edges, let them cool on a wire rack.
Making the Maple Glaze and Serving Ideas
Simple maple glaze magic
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth. The key is adjusting the consistency — thicker for neat drizzle lines, thinner for a more rustic look. For a bakery-style presentation, spoon or pipe the glaze over cooled cookies and let it set for about 10 minutes.
Serving and storing
These cookies pair perfectly with a mug of hot coffee, cider, or tea. They stay fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, and their flavor deepens over time. You can also make the dough ahead of time — chill it for up to 3 days or freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake straight from frozen with a couple of extra minutes in the oven. These tips make it easy to have apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies ready whenever the craving hits.
Tips, Variations & FAQs
Pro baker tips
– Use Granny Smith apples for a tart balance, or Fuji for a sweeter profile.
– Stick to one level cup of apple — too much moisture can make the dough fall apart.
– For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or substitute maple syrup for half the brown sugar.
– To make these fall cookies with apple cinnamon gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
FAQ Section
Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
Yes! They’re delicious plain, but the glaze adds a subtle maple sweetness that enhances the cinnamon flavor.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide better chewiness.
Can I double the batch?
Absolutely. The dough doubles easily, and the cookies freeze beautifully, making them great for gifting or meal prep.
Why are my cookies too flat?
The butter might have been too soft or melted. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking if needed.
Conclusion
Apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are everything you love about fall — soft, aromatic, and full of nostalgic flavor. The blend of oats, apples, and cinnamon delivers comfort in every bite, while the maple glaze gives them a touch of elegance. Once you try them, they’ll become your signature fall bake — the kind of cookie friends ask for again and again.
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