Packed with fall flavors, diced apples, and oats, and topped with a cozy cinnamon glaze, these Apple Spiced Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect cross between a cookie and a muffin. Soft in the middle, crisp on the edges, and naturally sweetened without refined sugar, they make a delicious mid-morning snack or late-night treat.

They’re also gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a healthier fall dessert option that almost anyone can enjoy. I’m fully confident you’re going to love these!

Nutrition-Packed Apple Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they pack a little nutritional punch. As a registered dietitian and certified sweet treat enthusiast (lol), I love recipes that balance better-for-you ingredients with total indulgence — and these cuties hit the mark!

Rolled oats provide fiber and help keep you full, while fresh apples add natural sweetness, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Using almond flour adds healthy fats and protein, making these cookies gluten-free and more nourishing than your average sweet treat.

Skipping refined sugar and using coconut sugar keeps the sweetness natural while helping maintain a lower glycemic index. All together, these ingredients create cookies that are cozy, chewy, and seriously hard to resist — the ultimate fall dessert recipe.

Tips for Perfect Soft and Chewy Cookies

For the best results, chill the dough before baking — this helps the cookies hold their shape and gives you that soft, tender middle we all love. And the cinnamon maple glaze? OMG, it takes these cookies to the next level, enhancing the fall flavor in every bite.

Because of the fresh apples, these cookies are best stored in the fridge, but you can enjoy them slightly warmed for a cozy snack. Whether you’re craving a gluten-free dessert recipe, a refined sugar-free treat, or just a warm and cozy fall-inspired cookie, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and comfort. Hope you love these Apple Spiced Oatmeal Cookies as much as I do!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Cookies:

Melted and cooled ghee (or substitute unsalted butter)
Egg and egg yolk
Coconut sugar
Pure vanilla extract
Almond flour
Gluten-free rolled oats (I like One Degree; note: do not use quick oats)
Kosher salt
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Freshly ground nutmeg
Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp apple

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Cinnamon
Unsweetened almond milk
Pure vanilla extract
Kosher salt

HOW TO MAKE APPLE SPICED OATMEAL COOKIES WITH CINNAMON GLAZE (GLUTEN-FREE & DAIRY-FREE)

For the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, add the melted and cooled ghee, egg and egg yolk, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine for 30 seconds until smooth. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, add the almond flour, oats, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to combine until all the dry ingredients are totally combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine using a wooden spoon. Mix for one minute to allow the oats to soak up some of the liquid.

Add in the apples and mix until just combined. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and transfer to the fridge. Chill for 30 minutes.

Remove from the fridge. Using a large cookie scoop, portion into 12-14 large cookies. Roll into balls and place 6 cookies on each sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart. If any of the apples fall out while forming the cookie, press them into the cookie tops. Gently press the tops down slightly using a spatula.

Transfer to the oven and bake for 7 minutes. Remove from the oven, gently press the tops down slightly again, and rotate the trays to ensure the tray that was on the lower rack is now on the upper rack and vice versa. Bake for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the sides are crisp.

Remove from the oven. This is totally optional but will make the cookies perfectly uniform: using a glass with an opening slightly larger than the cookies, place the glass around each cookie, and gently wiggle the glass back and forth a bit to get perfectly round edges. Allow to cool completely.

For the Glaze & To Store:

In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar, almond milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk to combine until smooth and there are no clumps. If the icing is too thick, add the almond milk in 1 teaspoon increments until smooth.

Use a fork to drizzle the icing diagonally atop the cookies. Allow to set at room temperature.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

Here are a few subs for these Apple Spiced Oatmeal Cookies. You can swap ghee for unsalted butter in a 1:1 ratio. Almond flour can be replaced with oat flour (gluten-free if using certified GF oats), but you may need to add 1–2 tablespoons extra to help the dough hold together. Coconut sugar can be swapped for light brown sugar or maple sugar in equal amounts. If you prefer, you can omit the apples entirely for a simple, spiced cookie, or replace them with pears or finely chopped dried fruit (note: baking time may be slightly shorter without fresh fruit). For the glaze, you can use any milk alternative instead of almond milk depending on dairy preference/sensitivities.

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What types of apples work best in Apple Spiced Oatmeal Cookies?

For this recipe, Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp apples are ideal because they stay firm when baked, add natural sweetness, and provide a nice balance of tartness that complements the cinnamon glaze. Softer apples like Gala or Fuji may turn mushy during baking, which can make the cookies too wet. If you want, you can experiment with other crisp apples, but sticking to Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp ensures the best texture and flavor in every bite.

How can I make these cookies extra soft and chewy?

To get perfectly soft and chewy Apple Spiced Oatmeal Cookies, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking — this helps the cookies hold their shape while keeping the center tender. Using a combination of egg plus an extra egg yolk adds richness and chewiness, while the almond flour and rolled oats provide structure without drying them out. Gently pressing the cookies down slightly before and halfway through baking ensures even texture and golden, crisp edges. Following these simple tricks will give you bakery-style, cozy cookies every time.

Try These Healthy and Delicious Dessert Recipes Next:

Click here for my blog post on How To Pick the Best Apples for Snacking and Fall Recipes 🙂

Apple Spiced Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)