These cinnamon apple oatmeal cookies are a delicious combination of soft caramelized apples, fragrant cinnamon, and hearty rolled oats, making them the perfect comfort food for any time of the year. The cookies are chewy, flavorful, and topped with a light drizzle of glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. The blend of textures and flavors will have you reaching for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This:
These cookies are the epitome of cozy comfort. The caramelized apples add a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced oatmeal base. They offer a satisfying mix of soft centers and slightly crisp edges, making them a treat you’ll crave whenever you want something warm and comforting. The glaze is a simple yet delightful addition, bringing a sweet balance to the spiced apples and oats.
Perfect Occasion:
These cookies are perfect for fall evenings when the air is crisp, and you want something warm and indulgent. They’re a great option for holiday gatherings or as a homemade treat to share with friends and family. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider for a truly heartwarming experience. They also make a wonderful gift during the festive season, wrapped in a decorative box or tin.
Decoration Tips:
To add a decorative touch to your cookies, consider lightly dusting them with cinnamon after glazing. You can also arrange a few thin apple slices or apple chips on top for added visual appeal and flavor. For a more elegant presentation, drizzle the glaze in a crisscross pattern, giving each cookie a refined, bakery-style look. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can also give the cookies a beautiful, snowy finish that’s perfect for holiday tables.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Oatmeal Cookies:
- 90 grams (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 70 grams (1/3 cup) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 135 grams (1 1/2 cups) rolled oats
For the Glaze:
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Caramelize the Apples:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir occasionally until the apples are softened and caramelized, with a golden hue. Set them aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the rolled oats, ensuring the mixture is well distributed.
Combine with Caramelized Apples:
Gently fold the cooled caramelized apples into the dough. Be careful not to overmix so that the apple pieces remain intact, giving you soft bites of apple in every cookie.
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and ensures a chewy texture.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop to place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over each one, letting it set for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
