These warm and chewy apple oatmeal cookies are a tasty treat! With sweet bits of apple and hearty oats, they’re great for breakfast or a snack on the go.
I love making these cookies when I have extra apples. Plus, my kitchen smells amazing during baking—like a cozy fall day! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the cookie, providing structure. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that this may change the texture a bit.
Apples: I love using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you don’t have those, any firm apple will work. Pears can also be a great substitute for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, but the cookies might be a bit softer.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best texture. Quick oats can be used, but they may make the cookies a little denser. You can also try gluten-free oats if needed.
Nuts and dried fruits: They add flavor and texture. Feel free to swap peanuts for walnuts or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. Instead of raisins or cranberries, consider chopped dates or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
What’s the Best Way to Chop Apples for This Recipe?
Chopping apples might seem straightforward, but how you do it can affect texture and flavor. Here’s the best method:
- First, wash and peel the apple if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Cut the apple in half, then slice each half into quarters.
- Remove the core from each quarter and then chop the apple into small, even pieces—aim for about 1/4-inch chunks.
- This size will ensure they cook through and blend nicely into the cookies without overpowering each bite.
Tip: If you want to keep them from browning, toss the chopped apples in a little lemon juice!
Delicious Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple, preferably tart like Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Give yourself another 5 minutes for cooling. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to make these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Use a whisk to mix everything together until evenly blended. This step helps to distribute the leavening and spices throughout the flour.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a spatula, beat them together until the mixture is creamy and well combined—this usually takes about 2 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is incorporated and smooth. This adds richness and flavor to your cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Mix only until you see no more flour; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in the Goodies:
Now it’s time to fold in the rolled oats and chopped apples. If you decided to include nuts and dried fruit, fold those in too! Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This gives them space to spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up a bit.
10. Enjoy!
These apple oatmeal cookies are perfect when slightly warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a cozy snack, a delicious breakfast treat, or a delightful dessert!
Each cookie is moist and chewy, brimming with sweet apples and hearty oats. They’re simply delightful any time of the year, but especially comforting during fall!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or add about 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just seal them in a freezer-safe bag, and they should last for about 2-3 months.
What If I Don’t Have Apples on Hand?
No worries! If you don’t have apples, you can substitute them with other fruits like ripe pears or even mashed bananas. Keep in mind that moisture content might vary, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding extras like chocolate chips, seeds, or dried fruit like apricots. Just remember to keep the total mix-in quantity similar to what’s suggested in the recipe for best results!
