Description
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies combine tender, chewy oats with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apples and warm cinnamon spice. Topped with a delicate maple glaze, they make a perfect treat for any occasion—soft on the inside with a lightly golden edge and a touch of sweetness from the glaze.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Maple Glaze
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates the base for a soft cookie texture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then scrape down the bowl sides and mix until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, ground cloves, and salt over the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough is evenly combined but be careful not to overmix, which can toughen cookies.
- Prepare Apples and Incorporate: Toss the finely chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. Gently fold the apple pieces into the cookie dough to evenly distribute without breaking the pieces.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press the dough rounds gently to slightly flatten them, ensuring even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie tops are set and edges turn lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more syrup to thin or additional powdered sugar to thicken as desired.
- Glaze Cookies: Use a spoon to drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set completely before stacking or serving to avoid sticking.
Notes
- Use finely chopped apples no bigger than 1/4-inch cubes so they distribute evenly and bake well.
- Lemon juice keeps apples from browning and adds a subtle tartness that brightens flavor.
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; edges should be just golden.
- The maple glaze can be adjusted in thickness for drizzling or dipping by modifying sugar or liquid amounts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
