Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

I can’t tell you how much I adore these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe — they’re like a cozy fall hug in cookie form. The warm spices combined with the tartness of tiny apple bits and the sweetness of creamy maple icing make every bite feel special and comforting. Whether you’re baking them for a chilly afternoon snack or to impress at a casual get-together, these cookies always steal the show.

What’s great is how versatile and approachable this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is. You don’t need to be a baking pro to nail them, and they come together without any fuss. I love that they balance wholesome ingredients like oats and apples with just the right touch of indulgence from the maple icing, making them a favorite in my kitchen all year round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to offer a warm and chewy cookie with a beautifully balanced sweetness from the maple icing. I recommend fresh, crisp apples and good quality maple syrup for the best flavor.

• Unsweetened applesauce: Reducing it on the stove concentrates the apple flavor without extra sugar.
• Old-fashioned whole rolled oats: They give the cookies that wonderful chewy texture; don’t swap for quick oats.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level it to keep the dough from becoming too dense.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without getting cakey.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon, allspice & nutmeg: Classic warming spices that make the cookies irresistibly cozy.
• Unsalted butter: Softened but not melted for the perfect creaming with sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Adds necessary sweetness and helps with the right texture.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Dark sugar adds depth and chewiness.
• Egg yolk: Gives richness and tenderness; don’t skip it for a chewy center.
• Pure vanilla extract: A must for enhancing all the flavors.
• Finely diced apples: Use small pieces to avoid sogginess and add bursts of fresh apple flavor.
• Chopped walnuts: Optional, but they add crunch and a toasty note.
• Unsalted butter (for icing): Adds creaminess to your maple icing.
• Pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup is key for that rich, authentic maple taste in the icing.
• Sifted confectioners’ sugar: Ensures the icing is smooth and velvety.
• Pinch of salt (for icing): Balances sweetness and brightens flavor.

Variations

Feel free to make this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe your own by playing with ingredients or tweaking flavors. I love jazzing it up depending on what I have on hand or the season.

• Nut-free option: Swap walnuts for pepitas or omit nuts entirely — the texture remains fantastic.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of ground ginger or cloves if you want a bolder spiced cookie. I did this once during winter, and my family went crazy for it.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe swap.
• Dairy-free icing: Replace butter in the maple icing with coconut oil for a luscious vegan-friendly glaze.
• Fruit swaps: Try mini raisins or dried cranberries instead of fresh apples for a chewy twist.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Applesauce for Intense Flavor

Start by placing your unsweetened applesauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring now and then, until it shrinks down to about half — roughly 10 minutes on my stove. This step is key because it concentrates the apple flavor and prevents the cookies from being too moist. After that, let it cool to room temperature so it blends nicely with the other ingredients later.

Step 2: Prep Dry Ingredients and Cream Butter with Sugars

While your applesauce is reducing, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a large bowl — this keeps your spices even and ensures the leavening is well distributed. Then, using a mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. I learned that creaming the butter and sugar well makes all the difference in cookie texture — don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Add Apples and Walnuts

Next, add the cooled reduced applesauce, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugars, mixing on medium-high until smooth and blended. Then, switch to low speed and mix in your dry ingredients until just incorporated — overmixing can make your cookies tough, so be gentle here. Finally, fold in the finely diced apples and chopped walnuts. Your dough will be deliciously thick and sticky, which is totally normal and what you want.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), space dollops of dough about 3 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes — the edges should turn golden and cookies will look soft in the center, which is perfect because they firm up as they cool. Let them cool 10 minutes on the sheet before moving to a rack; patience here is key to avoid breaking them.

Step 5: Make Maple Icing and Drizzle

While cookies bake (or once cooled), melt the butter and maple syrup together in a small saucepan over low heat. After the butter melts, remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if you want to balance the sweetness. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies and let the icing set for about an hour — it creates a lovely glossy finish that complements the spice perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon over the maple icing to add a little texture and even more aroma. Sometimes I toss a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—trust me, it takes the sweetness to the next level by creating this delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or rich coffee, making them an ideal breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up. For a more indulgent snack, I love serving them alongside a bowl of lightly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream — perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe on a wooden platter surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Another fun idea is stacking them like mini cookie sandwiches, filling with a little extra maple icing or cream cheese frosting — kids and adults both adore this playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, placing parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They stay fresh for about 2 days, but honestly, they hardly last that long around here.

Freezing

Whenever I make a big batch, I freeze baked cookies (with or without icing) in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months. For cookie dough, I freeze scooped balls on a tray, then transfer them to bags — they bake great straight from frozen, just add an extra minute to baking time.

Reheating

I reheat leftover cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh that soft texture and slightly melt the icing. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but I prefer the oven for even warmth without making the cookies chewy or tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe has become a go-to comfort treat in my kitchen, especially when I want something that feels homemade but has a little extra magic. I love how approachable it is, making it easy to pull off even on busy days, yet it tastes like you baked it for a special occasion. I really hope you try them soon and find as much joy in baking and sharing them as I do — I think you’ll be adding this one to your favorites before you know it.

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