These spiced maple oatmeal cookies are perfect to enjoy some fall flavors, but equally delicious any time. With apple, oats and warm spices, they're deliciously sweet, even being refined sugar free. So perfect excuse to enjoy another!
![small plate of spiced maple oatmeal cookies with another on saucer by coffee cup and more cookies on cooling rack to left all from overhead](jpg/spiced-maple-oatmeal-cookies-photo.jpg)
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I mentioned when I shared my pumpkin broccoli soup, and I am getting the same feeling all over again, that I can't help but love fall/autumn in New England. There's something special about this time of year when the weather starts to cool down and the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange and red. Roadside stalls fill up with pumpkins, apples and more, and we try to make apple picking an annual event (at least).
I think it is particularly helped by the fact there are so many lovely days weather-wise. It's not too hot, often crisply cold in the morning but warming up, and with gorgeous blue skies.
![These spiced maple oatmeal cookies are perfect to enjoy some fall flavors, but equally delicious any time. With apple, oats and warm spices, they're deliciously sweet, even being refined sugar free. plate of spiced maple oatmeal cookies with one on saucer in front of coffee cup behind](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/spiced-maple-oatmeal-cookies-picture.jpg)
Fall flavor inspiration
While we had autumnal colors in the UK, the weather was/is distinctly less reliable. However in both places this time of year has me thinking about using the oven more and more. Whether for roasting meat and vegetables or baking, I seem to always have ideas popping into my mind for autumnal flavors and produce.
It struck me the other day I hadn't made cookies in forever and I decided it was about time to change that. We have been enjoying a bit of maple syrup drizzled on top of our oatmeal, which sparked the idea for these cookies. A relatively healthy taste of fall, these little cookies are delicious.
As well as being tasty, I love that they are refined sugar free, and kids can easily help make them, too. I have my eye on this maple peanut butter cup recipe to add into the same category, too.
![ingredients for spiced maple oatmeal cookies bowls with oats, applesauce, rice flour, maple, spices and spoons of vanilla and coconut oil](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ingredients-spiced-maple-oatmeal-cookies.jpg)
Steps to make these maple oatmeal cookies
These cookies are easy to make, being only a few simple ingredients and quick to mix together and bake. You separately mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients then combine. You can warm the wet ingredients slightly to melt the coconut oil and mix them more thoroughly.
In theory, you could mix it all in a food processor for a smoother texture but I quite like the chunkier oats here. You can make them whatever size you like, but I quite like relatively small. That way, you get a nice balance of crispness on the outside and chewier inside. Press them together as you form them to help them stick and not fall apart.
![forming spiced maple oatmeal cookies forming cookies with spoon and some on lined baking sheet to side](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/forming-spiced-maple-oatmeal-cookies.jpg)
Like some other baked goods, the crispness goes after the first day but they do otherwise keep a few days. If they last that long, of course. Since they have no refined sugar and are made with apple, though, they won't keep as long as some other cookies.
Baking with applesauce
If you are not used to baking with applesauce, it's a great ingredient to experiment with. Even unsweetened is gently sweet and it adds some moisture as well. So you can use it to replace part of the liquid, fat and sugar in many baked goods, particularly muffins.
![spiced maple oatmeal cookies cooling on rack cookies cooling on rack in rows](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cooling-spiced-maple-oatmeal-cookies.jpg)
These cookies are also made with flaxseed (optionally) and rice flour so they are both vegan and gluten-free (as long as you get the right oats). While they are refined sugar free, they still have a lovely sweetness with a great flavor thanks to both the maple syrup and warm spices.
These spiced maple oatmeal cookies have a lovely rich flavor from the maple syrup and are nicely chewy from the oats and apple. I hope you will too when you give them a try. They are relatively good for you, after all, though thankfully still child-approved in our house at least, too.
![These spiced maple oatmeal cookies are perfect to enjoy some fall flavors, but equally delicious any time. With apple, oats and warm spices, they're deliciously sweet, even being refined sugar free. plate of spiced maple oatmeal cookies with one on saucer under cup and more on cooling rack](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/spiced-maple-oatmeal-cookies-ohead-pic.jpg)
Try these other healthier cookies:
- Apple oatmeal cookies (also gluten free and vegan)
- Healthy cranberry apricot cookies
- Refined sugar free date oatmeal cookies
- Plus get more snack recipes, sweet and savory, in the archives.
Tools to make these cookies
I'd recommend using a Silicone Baking Mat on top of a Half Baking Sheet to make these. (affiliate links)
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Spiced maple oatmeal cookies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce 4tbsp
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup rolled oats 90g also called old fashioned oats
- ½ cup rice flour 80g
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F/190C. Line a baking sheet/tray with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix together the applesauce, maple syrup, coconut oil, flaxseed meal (if using) and vanilla. If the coconut oil won't mix in as it is too solid, put the whole mixture in the microwave for 10-15 second intervals, stirring after each burst, so you warm it just enough to melt it.
- Mix the remaining (dry) ingredients in a bowl then add the applesauce mixture to it and mix. It will be quite crumb-like.
- Take tablespoonfuls at a time and roll into balls, pressing together slightly with your hands. Flatten them slightly and put on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until firm and starting to brown very slightly.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally shared in October 2015 and has been updated, primarily with new photos and video.
Remember to pin for later!
![These spiced maple oatmeal cookies are perfect to enjoy some fall flavors, but equally delicious any time. With apple, oats and warm spices, they're deliciously sweet, even being refined sugar free. So perfect excuse to enjoy another! These spiced maple oatmeal cookies are perfect to enjoy some fall flavors, but equally delicious any time. With apple, oats and warm spices, they're deliciously sweet, even being refined sugar free. So perfect excuse to enjoy another!](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/spiced-maple-oatmeal-cookies-pin.jpg)
Joanna
Hi, I made these today and they are really great! Love that they are allergy friendly. Thank you!
Caroline's Cooking
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed them, Joanna, and yes it's a great bonus they work for so many allergies as well.
Jennifer Stewart
I love maple and the fact that you used coconut oil is making my heart smile! I will be making these for my workout buddies!! Thanks for sharing with Saucy Saturdays!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Jennifer, it's always a happy accident when something tasty is also pretty good for you. Hope you all enjoy!
Julie is Hostess At Heart
These cookies sound delicious! John's job prevents us from traveling in the fall, but when he retires, New England is on our bucket list!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Julie, I hope you make it here some time, it is so pretty!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These are so healthy and beautiful! Such a lovely maple flavor!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Rebecca, they are indeed really tasty.
Kaila (GF Life 24/7)
Fall in New England is my favorite time of year. (I'm a New England native, and it's quite beautiful here right now.) Your treats would certainly go well with the changing leaves outside my window. Thanks for sharing! Happy FF, and I hope you have a fun-filled weekend ahead! 🙂
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Kaila, I agree, it's so nice at the moment. And these are very fitting cookies for the season!