Maple Glazed Apple Pie Cookies

If you adore the comforting flavors of apple pie but want a quicker, more portable treat, these Maple Glazed Apple Pie Cookies are exactly what your kitchen needs. With a perfect balance of tender apples, warming spices, and a sweet maple glaze, these cookies capture the very essence of fall in every bite. They’re delightfully soft, lightly chewy from the oats, and have just the right amount of crunch from the nuts. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your repertoire.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe has been thoughtfully crafted and tested to ensure consistent, delicious results. The combination of all-purpose flour and rolled oats gives these cookies a wonderful texture—soft and chewy with a slight heartiness. The diced apples provide bursts of fresh fruitiness that keep the cookies moist and flavorful, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add that signature apple pie warmth. The maple syrup glaze is the finishing touch that brings sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor, elevating these cookies beyond the ordinary. Plus, the inclusion of optional chopped walnuts or pecans offers a nice crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer. Overall, this recipe balances complexity and simplicity, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

What You’ll Gather

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for the cookie dough
• 1/2 cup rolled oats – adds chewiness and texture
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – provides rich sweetness and moisture
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – classic apple pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – adds warmth and depth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – gives richness and tenderness
• 1/4 cup maple syrup – natural sweetness and flavor in the dough
• 1/2 cup diced apples – fresh, crisp apple pieces for moisture and taste
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor profile
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – for a delightful crunch
• 1 egg, beaten – binds the dough together
• Powdered sugar for dusting – adds a pretty and sweet finish

Hardware & Gadgets

• Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts
• Electric mixer or hand whisk – for creaming butter and sugar
• Rubber spatula – for folding in ingredients gently
• Knife and cutting board – to dice the apples
• Baking sheet – for baking the cookies
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and easy clean up
• Cooling rack – to cool the cookies evenly
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer – for dusting powdered sugar

Make Maple Glazed Apple Pie Cookies: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Dice your apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly inside the cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside — this blend infuses the dough with all the classic apple pie flavors.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Maple Syrup

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with maple syrup until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a wonderfully rich, naturally sweet base for your cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth. This step binds everything together and enhances the overall flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans if using. The apples add moisture and bursts of flavor while the nuts contribute texture and a toasty note.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies delightfully tender.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.

Substitutions by Diet

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) instead of the egg, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and use pure maple syrup sparingly or substitute with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar.

Chef’s Notes

• Feel free to experiment with apple varieties—Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring sweetness.
• For extra maple flavor, drizzle a thin maple glaze over the cooled cookies by mixing maple syrup with a small amount of powdered sugar.
• Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right cookie texture.
• If your apples are particularly juicy, gently pat diced pieces dry with a paper towel before mixing to prevent soggy dough.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

How to Store & Reheat

Store your Maple Glazed Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that soft, freshly baked feel.

FAQ

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of diced apples in the dough?

Fresh apple juice won’t provide the same texture and moisture that diced apples add. The small chunks of apple are essential for the burst of fresh flavor and the soft texture inside these cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, don’t over-flatten the dough balls when placing them on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead and store them airtight for several days or freeze them for longer storage.

What’s the best way to dice apples for this recipe?

Use a firm apple and cut it into small, uniform pieces roughly 1/4 inch in size. This ensures even baking and consistent texture throughout the cookie.

Time to Try It

Gather your ingredients, warm up your oven, and prepare to enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of these Maple Glazed Apple Pie Cookies. They’re simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re baking to celebrate a special occasion or just because you deserve a little sweet treat, these cookies will bring joy to any moment. Happy baking!

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