Name: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature); 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 and 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (1/4-inch cubes or smaller); 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons milk; 2 teaspoons maple syrup

Jump to Recipe

If you adore cozy flavors and crave a cookie that brings warmth to every bite, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Combining the comforting spice of cinnamon, the chewy goodness of oats, and the sweet, tender bursts of real apple pieces, this recipe captures autumn in cookie form. Soft, flavorful, and drizzled with a subtle maple glaze, these cookies break all the rules of ordinary treats and promise a little slice of happiness with every batch you bake.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find but essential to creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each component plays a role in making these cookies soft, spicy, and irresistibly chewy.

Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and a tender crumb for the cookies.

Brown sugar (3/4 cup, light or dark): Adds moisture and a deep caramel note that complements the cinnamon.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together, adding structure and softness.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweet and warm flavors throughout the cookie.
All-purpose flour (1 and 1/4 cups): The base for the cookie dough, providing structure.

Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 and 1/4 cups): Creates that beloved chewy texture and wholesome feel.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with cozy spice and warmth.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.

Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and a hint of spice complexity.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens the flavors.
Apple (1 cup, peeled and finely chopped): Brings juicy sweetness and tender fruit bursts in every bite.

Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Keeps the apples fresh and brightens the overall flavor.
Powdered sugar (2/3 cup): Forms the base of the sweet, smooth maple glaze.
Milk (2 teaspoons): Thins the glaze to just the right drizzle consistency.

Maple syrup (2 teaspoons): Adds natural sweetness and complements the cinnamon beautifully in the glaze.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats if you want easy cleanup and perfectly shaped cookies. This prep step is key to baking evenly and making sure your cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar together on high until fluffy and light. This process incorporates air for a softer cookie. Then add your egg and vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl to mix everything thoroughly. This is where your dough starts to come alive with flavor and texture.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt over your creamed mixture. Mix on low speed just until everything comes together with no dry spots. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed and your oats are mixed in perfectly for that chewy texture.

Step 4: Prepare and Incorporate the Apples

Toss your finely chopped apples with lemon juice—this step keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh tang that brightens every bite. Then fold the apples gently into the cookie dough, so they get evenly spread without turning the dough mushy.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto your prepared sheets, leaving some space for spreading. Press them down slightly so they bake evenly. Pop them into your oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until you see golden edges and set tops. Let the cookies cool a bit on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack—this helps them firm up just right.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with more sugar or syrup as needed. Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over your cooled cookies, letting it set without stacking the cookies so your glaze stays beautiful and intact.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Garnishes

For an inviting finish, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze or add a few finely chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also add a pretty snow-kissed look that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee, making for an afternoon treat that soothes and satisfies. They are also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to turn them into a dessert delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden board with thin apple slices or a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping. You can even sandwich a smear of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a treat that’s both playful and decadent. These thoughtful touches elevate the humble cookie to a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy rather than dry.

Freezing

To enjoy these delicious cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This method prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab just a few cookies at a time. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a warm bite, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or gently warm them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and revives the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apple.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice tang, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will give you a sweeter bite. Just make sure to peel and finely chop them for the best texture.

Do I have to use old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the perfect chewy texture that quick oats can’t quite replicate. However, if you only have quick oats, your cookies might be a bit softer and less chewy but still tasty.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

How do I prevent the apples from making the dough too wet?

Using finely chopped apples and tossing them in lemon juice helps keep things balanced. Also, be gentle when mixing apples into the dough to maintain the right texture and keep the dough from becoming soggy.

Is it possible to skip the glaze?

Of course! The cookies on their own are flavorful and delicious. The glaze just adds a little extra sweetness and a pretty finish, but leaving it off won’t disappoint.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about baking a batch of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy every cozy, chewy bite as much as I do. Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your cookie collection.