Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies – 5 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to fire up the oven and whip up a batch of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies strike the ultimate balance between soft and chewy, with warm spice notes, juicy apple bits, hearty oats, and a dreamy maple glaze that makes each bite unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, cozying up with a hot drink, or planning your holiday cookie lineup, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are a must-bake. We’ll walk you through everything—from must-have ingredients to expert baking tips, delicious variations, and FAQs—so you can bake with confidence and enjoy cookie perfection.

What Are Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies?

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are the ultimate fall dessert mashup—combining the hearty texture of classic oatmeal cookies with the cozy warmth of apples and cinnamon. These cookies go beyond your standard bake by packing in chunks of real apple, a perfect blend of spices like nutmeg and allspice, and a maple icing drizzle that takes them over the top.

Think of them as the cookie version of your favorite apple crisp or warm apple pie—only easier to make and even easier to snack on. What sets them apart from basic oatmeal cookies is their soft, chewy interior, subtle tartness from the apples, and layers of flavor in every bite.

Not only do Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies taste like fall, they also bring a touch of nutrition to your dessert table. With whole rolled oats for fiber and applesauce as a natural sweetener and fat replacer, they strike a delicious balance between indulgent and wholesome.

Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed the next day with a hot drink, they’re a seasonal treat you’ll want to bake on repeat.

Ingredients: What You Need & Why They Matter

To create soft, flavorful Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, every ingredient plays a unique role. This isn’t just a cookie—it’s a warm, spiced bite of fall wrapped in maple-sweet goodness. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each component matters:

🧂 Dry Ingredients

Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): These give the cookies their signature chewy texture. Skip quick oats—they absorb too much moisture and won’t yield the same hearty bite.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Helps bind the dough and gives structure to the cookies.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly without puffing too much.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the apples and spices.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Essential for that cozy, spiced flavor.
Ground allspice (1/2 tsp) & nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds depth and a warm, autumnal kick.

🧈 Wet Ingredients

Unsweetened applesauce (2/3 cup, reduced to 1/3 cup): Key to adding natural sweetness and moisture without making the cookies soggy. Reducing it concentrates the flavor and thickens the texture.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened to room temperature for perfect creaming with the sugars.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup) + Brown sugar (1/2 cup): The mix of white and dark brown sugar gives the perfect balance of sweetness and molasses depth.
Egg yolk (1): Adds richness and structure; using just the yolk helps achieve that soft, chewy texture.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, especially the apples and spices.

🍎 Mix-ins

Finely diced apples (3/4 cup): Adds juicy bursts of flavor in every bite. Use a crisp, tart variety like Granny Smith for best results.
Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft cookies.

🍁 Maple Icing

Butter (2 tbsp): Forms the base of the icing, adding richness.
Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup): Infuses the icing with a cozy fall flavor.
Sifted confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Creates a smooth, thick drizzle that sets beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Version: Swap butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg instead of the yolk.
Nut-Free: Omit walnuts or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.

Each of these ingredients contributes to the cookie’s perfect balance of flavor, texture, and fall-inspired aroma. Skimping on any one might change the outcome, so stick close to the script—or use our tips for safe swaps!

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, including oats, apples, cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup, arranged for baking. — **Don’t miss out—share and pin this recipe on Pinterest today!**

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Like a Pro

Making Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies is a rewarding (and delicious) process that’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps and you’ll have perfectly spiced, soft, and chewy cookies in no time.

🔥 Step 1: Reduce the Applesauce

Start by placing the unsweetened applesauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook it down until it reduces by half (from 2/3 cup to 1/3 cup), which takes about 10 minutes. This step intensifies the apple flavor and ensures the cookies don’t become too wet.

💡 Tip: Let the reduced applesauce cool to room temperature before mixing into your dough.

♨️ Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

🥣 Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices throughout the dough.

🧈 Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed for even mixing.

🍎 Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

To the creamed butter and sugar, add your cooled reduced applesauce, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, scraping the sides and bottom again to ensure everything is mixed evenly.

🥄 Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on low until fully combined. Then gently fold in the finely chopped apples and walnuts (if using). The dough will be thick and sticky—just the way it should be.

🍪 Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to drop mounds of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone—don’t worry, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🍁 Step 8: Make the Maple Icing

While the cookies cool, prepare the maple icing. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup together, whisking occasionally. Once the butter has melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.

Drizzle over cooled cookies. The icing will set in about an hour.

🧊 Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Scooping Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie dough onto baking tray before baking. — **Don’t miss out—share and pin this recipe on Pinterest today!**

Tips, Tricks & Delicious Variations

Even the best cookie recipes can be elevated with a few smart tweaks. Whether you’re trying to enhance flavor, adjust for dietary needs, or just shake things up a bit, these pro tips and creative variations will help you master Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies.

🔧 Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time

Don’t Skip Reducing the Applesauce: This crucial step intensifies apple flavor and prevents the cookies from turning out too cakey or wet.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Especially the butter and egg yolk. This ensures smooth mixing and better texture.
Finely Dice the Apples: The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they distribute in the dough and bake without becoming soggy.
Let the Dough Rest (Optional but Helpful): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can improve flavor and minimize spreading.
Check for Doneness at 14 Minutes: The cookies should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.

🌟 Flavor Variations to Try

Looking to put a twist on your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies? These variations are easy to implement and just as delicious:

1. Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
Substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, set for 5 minutes).
Ensure your sugar and confectioners’ sugar are vegan-friendly.

2. Gluten-Free Version

Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best structure.

3. Apple Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Add 1/3 cup of raisins with the diced apples for extra texture and natural sweetness. Cinnamon + raisins = cookie magic.

4. Spiced-Up Fall Cookie

Amp up the spices by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom. It adds a warming depth that pairs beautifully with the apples and oats.

5. Nut-Free Option

Skip the walnuts or swap them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch without the allergens.

🥶 Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead Dough: Chill cookie dough in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes before scooping.
Freeze the Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store up to 3 months. Bake from frozen—just add an extra minute or two.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temp or reheat gently in the microwave.

These tips and tweaks allow you to tailor your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies to your needs—without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies are ready to be your go-to fall favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats can technically be used, but they’ll absorb more moisture and change the texture of your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. For the best chew and structure, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.

2. Can I use apple butter instead of reduced applesauce?

You can, but apple butter is sweeter and thinner, which may cause the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies to spread too much. If you try this, chill the dough and reduce added sugar slightly.

3. How do I store Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies?

Store your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container:
At room temperature: up to 2 days
In the refrigerator: up to 1 week
In the freezer: up to 3 months (baked or unbaked)

4. Can I make vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies?

Yes! Use plant-based margarine instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the yolk. These small swaps create fully vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies without losing that chewy texture.

5. What apples work best in this recipe?

Use crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold up well during baking and add the perfect bite to your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies.

6. Is the maple icing necessary?

While optional, the maple icing adds a sweet finish that enhances the cozy flavor of your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. If you’re short on time, a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar is a great alternative.

7. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Chill the dough for 30 minutes for best results.

8. Why are my cookies too soft or too dry?

Too soft? Slightly underbaked or excess applesauce.
Too dry? Overbaked or too much flour. Follow the recipe carefully to get perfectly moist Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies every time.

9. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Freeze scooped dough balls and bake directly from frozen. This makes enjoying fresh Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies on demand incredibly easy.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are great for parties or gifting. Just reduce applesauce in larger batches and rotate baking sheets halfway through baking.

Conclusion: Bake These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Today

If you’re craving the ultimate fall dessert, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies deliver the perfect blend of cozy spices, sweet apple flavor, and chewy oat-filled texture. Topped with a warm maple icing, these cookies are a nostalgic treat that captures the essence of the season.

There are so many reasons to love Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies—they’re easy to make, freeze beautifully, and offer endless customization. Whether you’re going for the classic version or mixing it up with vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free variations, this recipe fits every craving.

Have you tried this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies recipe?

Leave a comment, share it with friends, and follow us on Pinterest for more bake and no-bake dessert inspiration straight to your feed!

👉 Looking for more sweet inspiration? Browse more fall-ready recipes on NoBakeDessertsRecipes.com, where delicious meets easy.