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There’s something about the comforting aroma of maple syrup and warm oats that instantly evokes the feeling of home. These Maple Oatmeal Cookies combine soft, chewy texture with the unmistakable sweetness of pure maple syrup, creating a cookie that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall weekend, preparing treats for a holiday dessert table, or simply craving a wholesome homemade snack, these cookies are a delightful blend of heartiness and sweetness.
Unlike overly sugary or artificial-tasting cookies, this recipe lets natural maple syrup shine through. The oats add chewiness and texture, while brown sugar and butter give them that irresistible caramel-like flavor. If you’re a fan of cookies that taste like comfort in every bite, these Maple Oatmeal Cookies will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Oatmeal Cookies
Maple Oatmeal Cookies aren’t just another variation of oatmeal cookies — they’re a flavor experience that captures everything we love about cozy baking. Here’s why you’ll fall for them instantly:
- Pure Maple Flavor – Real maple syrup infuses these cookies with a rich, earthy sweetness that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
- Soft and Chewy Texture – The combination of oats and brown sugar gives these cookies a perfectly chewy bite with just the right hint of crisp edges.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – You don’t need complicated ingredients to create bakery-quality cookies. Just pantry staples, oats, and maple syrup.
- Perfect for Any Season – While these cookies feel like fall in every bite, they’re delicious year-round, especially paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to make them uniquely yours.
They’re the kind of cookie that feels homemade in the best possible way — warm, hearty, and irresistible.
Ingredients Information
Before you start mixing, let’s take a closer look at what makes each ingredient essential to the success of these Maple Oatmeal Cookies:
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provide structure, chewiness, and that classic oatmeal cookie texture. Avoid instant oats, which can make the dough too soft.
- All-Purpose Flour: Balances the oats and gives the cookies their shape without being too dense.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay tender.
- Cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth that enhances the maple flavor perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the cookie’s overall flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened for even mixing.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and moisture, keeping the cookies chewy.
- Pure Maple Syrup: The star of the show. Use real maple syrup (not pancake syrup) for that authentic, deep maple taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the moisture from the syrup and gives the cookies a light sweetness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Complements the maple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- White chocolate chips for a creamy contrast
- Dried cranberries or raisins for a tart, fruity twist

Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect Maple Oatmeal Cookies every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk gently to blend. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes. The goal is to create a light and fluffy base that traps air and enhances the cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Maple Syrup, Egg, and Vanilla
Beat in the egg, followed by the maple syrup and vanilla extract. The dough may appear slightly thinner than traditional cookie dough because of the syrup — that’s normal and part of what makes these cookies so soft and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats
Stir in the rolled oats (and any optional add-ins). The dough should be thick and sticky but still easy to scoop.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll continue to set as they cool, developing that perfect chewy texture.
Storage Information
Maple Oatmeal Cookies store beautifully, making them great for meal prep or gifting.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 10 days if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat.
You can also freeze the dough balls before baking — just place them on a tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Helpful Tips
- Use Real Maple Syrup: The flavor difference between pure maple syrup and artificial syrups is dramatic. Choose grade A or dark amber for the richest taste.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when slightly soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Add Texture: A handful of chopped nuts or white chocolate chips adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and gives thicker cookies.
- Balance Sweetness: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking creates the perfect sweet-salty contrast.
Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try these easy variations to make your Maple Oatmeal Cookies even more versatile:
- Maple Pecan Cookies: Add chopped pecans and drizzle with maple glaze for a bakery-style finish.
- Maple Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in dried cranberries for a tart, festive flavor.
- Maple Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add dark or white chocolate chips for a richer cookie.
- Gluten-Free Maple Oatmeal Cookies: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan Maple Oatmeal Cookies: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flax egg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
You can, but it will change the flavor. Honey is sweeter and less earthy than maple syrup, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
How can I make these cookies crispier?
Bake them for an extra minute or two, and let them cool fully on a wire rack. Avoid storing them in airtight containers if you prefer crisp cookies.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can work, but they’ll create a softer texture and less chewiness. Rolled oats are recommended for the best result.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Your butter may have been too warm, or the dough wasn’t chilled. If this happens, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Both the dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for holiday prep or quick desserts.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Maple Oatmeal Cookies, try these other cozy and comforting bakes next:
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies – Sweet, spiced, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Soft and fragrant, ideal for fall gatherings.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – A classic chewy favorite for all seasons.
- Almond Butter Cookies – Nutty and naturally delicious with no flour required.
- Red Velvet Cookies – Decadent and rich, perfect for holidays or gifting.
Share and Save on Pinterest
These Maple Oatmeal Cookies are perfect for sharing — both in the kitchen and online. Their golden-brown color, chewy texture, and maple aroma make them irresistible on camera.
If you try this recipe, be sure to save it on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime you crave something cozy and comforting. Pin it, bake it, and share it with your friends who love homemade cookies as much as you do!
PrintMaple Oatmeal Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies with real maple syrup and oats — a cozy, classic treat.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup white sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla
(Optional: 1/2 cup nuts, white chocolate, or dried fruit)
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Mix oats, flour, soda, cinnamon, salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars.
4. Add egg, maple syrup, vanilla.
5. Combine wet and dry.
6. Add extras if using.
7. Scoop onto tray, bake 10–12 min.
8. Cool on rack.
Notes
Use real maple syrup for best flavor. Store airtight up to 5 days.

