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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies | Soft, Chewy & Perfectly Spiced

Few things taste more like fall than apples, cinnamon, and oats baked together into a chewy cookie. These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are soft, hearty, and bursting with warm spice and sweet apple flavor. Think of them as the perfect cross between an oatmeal cookie and an apple pie—comforting, cozy, and irresistible. These cookies are perfect for after-school snacks, holiday cookie trays, or pairing with a warm cup of tea or cider. A simple maple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness, making them even more festive and bakery-worthy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 1 cup apple peeled and finely diced
  • 2 tsp lemon juice to keep apple fresh
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the glaze
  • ⅔ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp milk
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats
  • Cooling rack
  • Small whisk (for glaze)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the apple
  1. Peel and dice apple. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the cookie dough
  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in egg, maple syrup, and vanilla.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in rolled oats and diced apple.
Step 3: Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Scoop dough onto sheets (about 1 ½ tbsp each).
  3. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers soft.
  4. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
Step 4: Make the glaze
  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps 5–6 days.
Freezer (Unglazed): Freeze up to 2 months; thaw, then glaze.
Reheating: Microwave 10 seconds for warm, soft cookies.
🥄 Variations
Apple Pie Cookies: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
Caramel Drizzle: Replace glaze with caramel sauce.
Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or ginger for more depth.
Chewy Bars: Bake dough in an 8x8 pan and cut into squares.
Gluten-Free: Use oat flour and certified GF oats.
No-Glaze Option: Skip glaze for a less sweet, breakfast-style cookie.
❓ 10 FAQs
What apples work best?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling keeps cookies soft and prevents chewy skin pieces.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but cookies will be softer. Rolled oats give more texture.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Do these spread a lot?
No, they stay fairly thick and chewy.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, it scales well.
Do they taste like oatmeal raisin cookies?
Similar texture, but with apple-pie flavor.
Can I make them without glaze?
Yes, they’re delicious plain.
Do they freeze well?
Yes, especially unglazed cookies.
Will kids enjoy these?
Definitely—soft, sweet, and lightly spiced.
🏁 Conclusion
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are chewy, spiced, and bursting with cozy apple flavor. The maple glaze makes them extra special, but even without it, they’re the perfect fall cookie.
Bake a batch for family, share them at gatherings, or enjoy with a mug of cider for the ultimate autumn comfort treat.