Cozy Up This Fall with Irresistible Iced Oatmeal and Apple Cookies
As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the landscape and a gentle crispness fills the air, many of us find ourselves longing to hold onto the magic of fall a little bit longer. This year, in Utah, we’ve been particularly fortunate to savor a truly beautiful autumn – a welcome change from years past where summer often seemed to vanish overnight into winter’s embrace. There’s a special joy in mild temperatures, the rustle of fallen leaves, and, for me, the annual wish granted of no snow before Halloween. Now that the spooky season is behind us, the rush to Thanksgiving and the winter holidays often begins. However, I propose we linger in the warmth and comfort of fall just a while longer, and I have the perfect delicious treat to help us do exactly that.
Enter the star of our autumnal celebration: Iced Oatmeal and Apple Cookies. These delightful treats are a true embodiment of everything we adore about the season, packed with wholesome ingredients and infused with comforting flavors. Imagine a cookie that captures the essence of a crisp fall day – that’s precisely what you get with every bite of these fantastic creations. They are a celebration of harvest, warmth, and the simple pleasure of homemade baking, promising to extend the cozy feelings of autumn with every single bite.
The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor in Every Cookie
These aren’t just any fall cookies; they are an experience. With edges that are perfectly crisp and centers that remain wonderfully chewy, these iced oatmeal and apple cookies hit all the right notes. What makes them truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients that contribute to both their incredible taste and delightful texture. Applesauce is cleverly incorporated right into the batter, taking the place of some of the butter. This brilliant substitution not only adds a lovely moistness and subtle apple flavor but also makes these cookies a touch healthier – a win-win in our book, allowing us to indulge a little more guilt-free!
But the apple goodness doesn’t stop there. Beyond the applesauce, these cookies are generously studded with dried apple bits, which provide concentrated bursts of sweet, tart apple flavor and an interesting chewy texture that complements the oats. Complementing these apple components is the hearty chew of old-fashioned oats and the warming embrace of ground cinnamon, a spice synonymous with cozy autumn baking. Each cookie is then artfully drizzled with a rich, sweet maple syrup icing, tying all the fall flavors together in a harmonious symphony that sings of crisp days and cozy evenings.
It’s truly fall, encapsulated and perfectly wrapped up in a little treat, ready to be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or simply as a comforting snack on a cool afternoon. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a moment of seasonal bliss, a bite-sized reminder of all the reasons we cherish autumn.
Baking These Fall Favorites: A Simple Joy for Any Home Cook
Creating these Iced Oatmeal and Apple Cookies is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results, even for novice bakers. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is a preamble to the deliciousness to come, a true highlight of autumn baking that can transform any ordinary day into something special. We start by combining the dry ingredients – flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The old-fashioned oats are crucial here, providing that signature chewy texture that makes oatmeal cookies so beloved and hearty. The cinnamon, of course, adds that quintessential warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the apple, creating a truly irresistible fragrance.
In a separate bowl, the wet ingredients come together: melted butter, both brown and granulated sugar for a balanced sweetness and chewiness, a large egg for binding, and the star ingredient, applesauce. Using melted butter simplifies the mixing process and contributes to a lovely tender crumb, ensuring the cookies are moist and delightful from the inside out. The applesauce not only enhances the apple flavor but also helps to keep the cookies wonderfully moist, allowing us to slightly reduce the fat content without compromising on taste or texture – a clever trick for a slightly healthier treat. Once the wet and dry ingredients are gently combined, being careful not to overmix, the chopped dried apples are folded in, ensuring every cookie has plenty of those delightful, chewy fruit pieces, adding another layer of texture and concentrated flavor.
Drop spoonfuls of this fragrant dough onto your prepared baking sheet (parchment paper is your best friend here for easy cleanup and even baking), and soon, you’ll have a batch of golden-brown, perfectly baked oatmeal and apple cookies. The baking time is relatively short, around 13-15 minutes, which means you’re not far from enjoying these warm, comforting treats. The subtle hint of golden-brown edges signals they are ready, promising a delightful texture contrast between the crisp exterior and chewy interior.
The Maple Syrup Glaze: A Touch of Sweet Perfection
No “iced” cookie would be complete without its signature topping, and for these oatmeal and apple delights, a simple yet incredibly flavorful maple syrup glaze is the ideal choice. This glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and a distinctive autumnal flavor that elevates the entire cookie from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. Whisking together powdered sugar and pure maple syrup creates a rich, smooth base that is both sweet and subtly complex. Then, you simply add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency – thick enough to coat a spoon, but thin enough to drizzle beautifully and evenly over the cooled cookies without being too runny.
The maple syrup isn’t just a sweetener; it’s a flavor enhancer, perfectly complementing the cinnamon and apple within the cookie. Its natural warmth harmonizes with the spices, creating a cohesive flavor profile that is quintessentially fall. Drizzling the glaze over the completely cooled cookies is the final, satisfying step, transforming them from delicious baked goods into truly irresistible autumn treats that look as good as they taste. Allow the glaze a few minutes to set, firming up to a delicate crispness, and then they’re ready to be devoured, offering a delightful crackle as you take your first bite.
baking tip:Easy Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe – Beyond Maple
The beauty of a simple glaze or icing is its incredible versatility. While our pure maple syrup glaze is absolutely perfect for these Iced Oatmeal and Apple Cookies, adding a distinct autumnal note, you can easily adapt this foundational recipe for a myriad of other desserts. The core components are always powdered sugar, a liquid, and often a flavoring agent, allowing for endless customization to suit any craving or occasion. Here’s a basic recipe that serves as a fantastic starting point for any home baker:
- 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar (sifting is key for a lump-free glaze!)
- 1-2 tablespoons of milk, heavy cream, or half and half (start with 1 tablespoon and add more slowly, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached)
- ½-1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but a great neutral base that enhances most sweet flavors)
Simply whisk these ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and shiny. For a thinner glaze that soaks slightly into baked goods, add a bit more liquid; for a thicker, more opaque glaze that stands proud on top, add a touch more powdered sugar. The goal is to achieve a consistency that coats the back of a spoon and drizzles easily, without being watery. Beyond milk and vanilla, consider these delicious liquid and flavoring additions to create different flavor profiles for your glazes:
- **Citrus Juice:** Lemon, orange, or lime juice adds a bright, zesty tang, perfect for lighter cookies, muffins, or Bundt cakes. It cuts through sweetness beautifully.
- **Coffee or Espresso:** For a rich, coffee-flavored glaze that pairs wonderfully with chocolate, mocha cakes, or even plain sugar cookies needing a sophisticated twist.
- **Liqueur:** A splash of rum, brandy, amaretto (almond liqueur), or Grand Marnier (orange liqueur) can add an adult touch and complex, aromatic flavor to any dessert.
- **Fruit Juices:** Apple cider (reinforcing the apple theme!), cranberry juice, or peach nectar can enhance fruit-based desserts, adding a natural fruit sweetness and color.
- **Spices:** A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or more cinnamon can be added directly to the powdered sugar for extra warmth and depth of flavor, especially in fall and winter baking.
Experimentation is highly encouraged! This basic glaze recipe is a fantastic tool for any home baker looking to add a professional, customized, and flavorful finish to their creations, transforming simple baked goods into showstoppers.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Bake This Season
Beyond their incredible taste, comforting texture, and ease of preparation, these Iced Oatmeal and Apple Cookies offer a wonderful opportunity to slow down and fully embrace the autumnal spirit. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones at a cozy gathering, bringing to a fall potluck where they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, or simply enjoying during a quiet moment at home, perhaps curled up with a good book and a warm drink. The thoughtful combination of wholesome oats and real apple makes them feel a little more substantial and nourishing than your average cookie, while the sweet and aromatic maple glaze ensures they remain a delightful and indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party, looking for a special and memorable treat for your family, or simply craving the distinctive, warm flavors of the season, these cookies are sure to become a cherished new favorite in your recipe collection. They truly embody comfort, evoke a sense of nostalgia, and celebrate the rich bounty of autumn. Their vibrant flavors, appealing textures, and cozy aroma make them an ideal addition to any fall dessert table, offering a homemade touch that is always appreciated and leaves a lasting impression. Don’t forget, these cookies store beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping your sweet cravings throughout the week!
So, as the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, let these Iced Oatmeal and Apple Cookies be your sweet invitation to fully immerse yourself in the beauty, warmth, and delicious flavors of fall. Gather your ingredients, bake a batch, savor the irresistible aroma that fills your home, and enjoy every delicious, perfectly spiced bite of this ultimate seasonal treat. Happy baking!
Iced Oatmeal and Apple Cookies
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 4 tablespoons butter , melted (56 grams)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (215 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup applesauce (125 grams)
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats (150 grams)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened dried apples (85 grams)
For the icing:
- 1 ¾ cup powdered sugar (405 grams)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
-
In bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
-
In a separate bowl, beat together the melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar with a wooden spoon until combined. Add the egg and applesauce and mix until combined. Add the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined, then stir in the dried apple.
-
Drop by the rounded tablespoon onto the prepared sheet pan and bake until edges are just turning golden brown, about 13-15 minutes. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
-
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add enough milk to get the right consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let set for 10 minutes before serving.
-
Store cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days.