Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies bring that magic straight into your kitchen. Soft, chewy, and bursting with warm autumn flavors, they’re a cozy treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk.

They’re not just cookies—they’re little bites of comfort. Applesauce keeps them moist without being heavy, oats add hearty chewiness, and a touch of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice make them feel like a hug in every bite. And when you drizzle them with sweet maple icing? Trust me, you’re going to want to eat them all in one sitting.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Small saucepan (for the maple icing)

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Cozy & Comforting

The aroma of apples, oats, and warm spices baking is instant happiness.

Chewy & Moist

Thanks to applesauce and butter, these cookies stay soft and chewy, never dry.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, these cookies come together in a few simple steps.

Perfect for Any Occasion

They’re great for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, cookie exchanges, or just indulging yourself.

Customizable

Add walnuts, raisins, or extra diced apples depending on your preference.

Ingredients in Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

(Note: the full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Unsweetened Applesauce

Keeps the cookies moist and naturally sweet, while adding a subtle fruit flavor.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

Add hearty chewiness and texture, making these cookies feel wholesome and satisfying.

All-Purpose Flour

Provides structure for perfectly soft cookies.

Baking Soda & Salt

The classic leavening duo ensures cookies rise just enough and have balanced flavor.

Spices: Cinnamon, Allspice & Nutmeg

These warm, fragrant spices give the cookies their signature cozy flavor.

Unsalted Butter

Softened to room temperature, it adds richness and tenderness.

Granulated & Brown Sugar

Sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor from the brown sugar adds depth.

Egg Yolk

Adds richness and helps bind the cookies while keeping them soft.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Apples

Finely diced to distribute flavor and sweetness evenly throughout each cookie.

Chopped Walnuts (Optional)

Provide a nice crunch and a nutty flavor contrast to the soft cookie.

Maple Icing

A simple drizzle of butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar elevates the cookies with a sweet, glossy finish.

Instructions

Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir to mix thoroughly.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Stir the applesauce into the butter mixture, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the finely diced apples and optional walnuts.

Scoop the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare Maple Icing

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter with maple syrup. Remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Serve & Enjoy

Arrange the cookies on a plate, drizzle generously with maple icing, and enjoy! Perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few straight from the cooling rack.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated)

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: ~150
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

• With a Warm Beverage: Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate is perfect with these cookies.
• As a Sweet Snack: Great for lunchboxes or afternoon cravings.
• At Gatherings: Cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a casual brunch spread.
• Gift-Worthy: Stack in a box with parchment paper for a homemade treat gift.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Dice apples and measure ingredients the night before for faster baking.
• Fridge Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

Variations to Try

• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for more warmth.
• Dried Fruit: Toss in raisins or dried cranberries for extra chew.
• Nutty Twist: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
• Maple-Free Icing: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or leave plain for a classic cookie.

FAQs

Q1: Can I substitute applesauce with mashed banana?
A1: Yes! It will slightly change the flavor but still keep cookies moist.

Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q3: Can I leave out the maple icing?
A3: Absolutely—the cookies are delicious on their own, just slightly less sweet.

Q4: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
A4: Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.

Q5: How do I store these cookies for longer?
A5: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are cozy, chewy, and full of warm flavors that feel like autumn in every bite. The combination of tender oats, diced apples, warm spices, and a drizzle of maple icing makes them a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles—and probably a few happy crumbs too. So preheat your

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