Name: Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon maple extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 & 1/3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

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If you love the comforting flavors of fall wrapped up in a cookie, then this Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. These cookies perfectly blend hearty oats with warm cinnamon and a subtle hint of maple, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. I find myself reaching for these whenever the crisp air hits or when I want to bring a touch of homemade warmth to a gathering.

What makes this Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe really stand out is the sweet, shiny glaze that crowns each cookie. It’s like the cherry on top, or should I say the syrup on top? The glaze adds just enough sweetness and stickiness to complement the chewy oats without overwhelming them. You’ll enjoy making these for weekend baking sessions or gifting them to friends during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. I personally love how the maple syrup and extracts bring a nuanced sweetness that regular sugar alone can’t achieve. TIP: try to get pure maple syrup for the glaze to really punch up that authentic flavor.

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming and rich flavor without added salt.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that complements the maple beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and gives that slight crisp edge to the cookie.
Egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
Maple syrup: Both in dough and glaze, it’s the star ingredient that lends that distinctive maple flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors and softens the maple’s sweetness.
Maple extract: A little powerhouse to boost that maple flavor without making the cookie too wet.
All-purpose flour: The cookie’s base, gives structure.
Cornstarch: Adds tenderness and keeps the cookie soft and chewy.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and keeps them light.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor and pairs beautifully with maple.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Old-fashioned oats: The soul of the cookie — hearty, chewy, and wholesome.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates that smooth, sweet coating that sets quickly.
Unsalted butter (for glaze): Melted to add richness and shine.
Milk: Just enough to thin the glaze for easy drizzling without it being runny.

Variations

I love keeping this Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe flexible. Sometimes I swap in different nuts or dried fruit to suit the season or just my mood. Don’t be shy to adjust and make this recipe your own — that’s the fun part of baking!

Nutty twist: Adding toasted pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch and layers of flavor. I often toss them in when making a batch for holiday parties.
Dried fruit upgrade: Mixing in raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots adds little bursts of tartness that contrast nicely with the sweetness.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free — still delicious and chewy!
Vegan friendly: Try vegan butter and a flax egg to keep these cookies plant-based while still super tasty.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spiced version that’s perfect for cooler months.

How to Make Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Maple Flavors

Start by beating together your softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, add the egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Mixing these wet ingredients until well combined is key for that sweet, maple-forward flavor that will shine throughout the cookie.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In Oats

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—don’t overmix or your cookies might get tough. Next, fold in the oats gently; this keeps the texture chewy and lets those oats stand out in every bite.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft. Don’t wait for them to brown entirely or you’ll lose that chewy texture I adore. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 4: Whip Up the Maple Glaze and Drizzle

While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth but thick enough to drizzle. Adjust the milk to get the right consistency—not too runny, but not stiff either. Drizzle over cooled cookies with a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes, and then you’re all ready to dig in!

How to Serve Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

The image shows nine small white bowls and one brown egg arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain different baking ingredients: a large bowl of white flour with soft clumps, a rectangular block of pale yellow butter on a white plate, a deep brown liquid in a bowl, a small bowl of fine white sugar, a smaller bowl of white salt, a small bowl filled with light brown powder, a medium bowl of fluffy white coconut flakes, and another medium bowl filled with tan rolled oats. The brown egg is placed in the center among the bowls. The scene is clean and bright, with everything well organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the glaze to enhance the maple flavor—it’s a little trick I picked up that makes the sweetness pop. Sometimes, a touch of finely chopped nuts on top right after glazing adds a nice texture contrast too.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a perfect snack break. I’ve also served them alongside vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser at casual get-togethers.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love stacking these cookies tied with rustic twine and fresh cinnamon sticks for a festive look. Another fun idea is to sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone between two cookies for a decadent treat that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to keep the glaze from sticking. They stay fresh and chewy for about 4-5 days, which is just perfect because they rarely last that long around here!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, I recommend freezing the cookies before glazing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then add the glaze fresh — it tastes just as delightful as freshly baked!

Reheating

To soften chilled or day-old cookies, pop them in a warm (not hot) oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked softness without melting the glaze too much — a simple trick I use whenever I want a freshly baked vibe.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats in this Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?

Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they tend to make the cookies less chewy and more cake-like. Old-fashioned oats provide that perfect texture chewiness I love, so I recommend sticking with those if possible.
Is there a substitute for maple extract if I can’t find it?

If maple extract isn’t available, you can increase the pure maple syrup slightly, but be careful not to add too much liquid. Another option is to use a small amount of vanilla extract, though it won’t replicate the pure maple flavor perfectly.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken the glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time. To thin it out, add milk gradually until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. The goal is a smooth, pourable glaze that isn’t too runny.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Bake the cookies a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container without the glaze. On the party day, drizzle the glaze fresh for best results. This keeps them looking and tasting freshly made.
What’s the best way to prevent the glaze from cracking?

Let the cookies cool completely before glazing and allow the glaze to set at room temperature without stirring or stacking cookies too soon. A smooth glaze that’s not too thick tends to resist cracking well.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies Recipe feels like a little slice of comfort in each bite, and I’ve shared it with plenty of friends who come back asking for more. Whether you’re baking just for yourself or to impress a crowd, these cookies bring warmth and a touch of sweetness that’s hard to beat. I hope you’ll give them a try and see just how effortlessly delicious homemade oatmeal cookies can be with a maple twist!