Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies combine the wholesome chewiness of oats with the sweet and tart burst of fresh apples, all wrapped up in warm cinnamon and spices. The maple icing on top? It’s like the cherry on a really delicious sundae — adding that perfect glossy sweetness that makes each cookie extra special.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the reduced applesauce adds moisture without sogginess, making the cookies perfectly soft but not cakey. These cookies work so well for everything from afternoon tea to a festive holiday treat, and you’ll find they’re easy enough to whip up on a weeknight when you want something comforting without a ton of fuss. If you love classic flavors, this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is definitely worth a try.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe plays a role in delivering the best texture and flavor — from the spices that warm it up to the apples that keep it fresh. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you shop and prep.

• Unsweetened Applesauce: Reducing it concentrates flavor and cuts moisture, so the cookies bake perfectly.
• Old-Fashioned Whole Rolled Oats: These give the cookies their iconic chewy texture — don’t substitute quick oats here!
• All-Purpose Flour: Just spoon and level for accuracy; this keeps dough consistency spot on.
• Baking Soda: Works with applesauce acidity to help your cookies rise just right.
• Ground Cinnamon, Allspice & Nutmeg: The spice trio brings cozy warmth and depth that make these cookies feel like fall in every bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened—not melted—for a light, tender crumb.
• Granulated & Brown Sugar: I usually use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, but light brown works fine too.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Always enhances the complex flavors in the dough.
• Finely Diced Apples: Use a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet icing.
• Chopped Walnuts: Optional, but I love the crunch and nuttiness they add.
• Pure Maple Syrup & Confectioners’ Sugar: For the easy, luscious maple icing to drizzle on top.
• Pinch of Salt: Just enough to round out the sweetness in the icing.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe to suit different tastes or occasions — that’s part of what makes baking so fun! Feel free to adapt it and make it your own.

• Nuts Swap: I sometimes trade walnuts for pecans or skip nuts altogether if I want a softer chew or to keep things nut-free for guests.
• Fruit Boost: Adding dried cranberries or raisins offers a nice chew and tartness. I tried this during the holidays and my family couldn’t get enough.
• Spice Adjustment: If you prefer a bolder spice punch, add extra cinnamon or a dash of ground cloves — it’s a little trick I discovered to brighten the flavor.
• Maple Icing Alternative: For a lighter touch, just dust the cookies with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar instead of the full icing glaze.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Applesauce for the Best Texture

Starting by reducing the applesauce is a game-changer I learned early on. Pour your unsweetened applesauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat, then bring it to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Stir it every few minutes, and keep an eye on the volume — you want to reduce it by half, which usually takes about 10 minutes. This thickened applesauce keeps your cookies moist without making them soggy, which is what I used to struggle with before figuring out this step! When it’s ready, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature before moving on.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Meanwhile, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This ensures the spices get evenly distributed and your cookies have that consistent, cozy flavor throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Using a mixer with a paddle attachment (or a handheld mixer), beat the softened butter with both sugars on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture looks lighter and fluffier. This creaming step traps air and helps produce tender, soft cookies. Don’t skip scraping the bowl down a few times — that ensures everything blends perfectly.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix

Next, mix in the reduced applesauce, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and thoroughly combined — this step really brings the dough together.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Apples & Walnuts

With the mixer on low, add the dry oat and flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Once just combined, fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. The dough will be thick and a little sticky — which is exactly what you want for chewy, perfect cookies.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 3 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Bake in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. These cookies look a bit underdone when you pull them out — but trust me, they finish baking as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Maple Icing and Drizzle

While the cookies cool, melt butter and maple syrup together in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally so it blends smoothly. Remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar until you get a silky glaze. Taste it, and add a pinch of salt if you want to balance the sweetness. Drizzle the icing over your cooled cookies — it sets nicely after about an hour, giving you a beautiful finish and that irresistible maple flavor kick.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the maple icing before it sets for a simple yet pretty garnish. Sometimes I add a few small apple slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts for a rustic look — plus, it adds texture and a hint of nutty crunch that complements the soft cookie perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies go beautifully alongside a hot cup of chai tea or spiced latte. For a more indulgent treat, serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — I tried this at a friend’s gathering and it was an absolute hit! They also pair well with a fresh fruit salad if you want a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these cookies on a wooden board lined with parchment and accent the plate with cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and a small bowl of extra maple syrup for dipping. It makes a cozy, inviting display perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine also makes cute gifts that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within a day or two. They keep wonderfully soft that way. If I want them to last longer, I pop them in the fridge — just bring them back to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

Freezing baked cookies works great for me — I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temp or gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh that just-baked feel.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a cookie or two in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This softens them up beautifully without melting the icing too much. The microwave works in a pinch but can make them a bit chewy, so oven reheating is my go-to.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is one of those go-to bakes that I always come back to when I want something that feels homemade but also a bit special. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, treating your family, or cozying up with a mug of tea on a chilly afternoon. I really hope you enjoy making these as much as I do — and don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your tastes. Once you try them, I think you’ll get it why my family goes crazy for these cookies every time!

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