These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful fusion of hearty oats, sweet apples, and warm spices. With optional walnuts and raisins for added texture and flavor, these cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying with a hot beverage. The crisp edges and soft centers make them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Warm and Cozy Flavors: The cinnamon and apple combination feels like a hug in cookie form.
Chewy and Tender: The oats provide a hearty, chewy texture, while the butter ensures a tender bite.
Versatile Mix-Ins: Add walnuts for crunch or raisins for a burst of sweetness—or both!
Quick and Easy: Made with pantry staples, these cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute treat.
Family-Friendly: A favorite with kids and adults alike, these cookies make a great addition to lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Key Ingredients
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and keeps the cookies soft and flavorful. Use softened butter for easy creaming with sugar.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor and helps create a chewy texture.
Rolled Oats: The star of the show! Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a hearty, rustic texture that’s irresistible.
Apples: Choose firm, flavorful apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Finely chop them for even distribution.
Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the cookies with warm, spicy notes that complement the apples beautifully.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Beat Together: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Mix Until Fluffy: Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate Eggs: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk Together: In a separate bowl, whisk together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Apples
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup finely chopped apples (peeled and cored)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins
Mix Evenly: Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Portion the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Initial Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes to firm up.
Transfer to Rack: Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy
These oatmeal apple cookies are perfect for a cozy snack or dessert. The combination of chewy oats, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon makes them a delightful treat!
Serving Suggestions
Apple Oatmeal Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to elevate your snacking experience:
With Tea or Coffee: Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
As a Dessert: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
On a Snack Platter: Add them to a fall-themed charcuterie board with sliced apples, cheese, and nuts.
Holiday Gifting: Wrap these cookies in a festive tin or bag—they make a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.
Refrigeration: If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate the cookies to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Freezing:
Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Variations
Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts and add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch.
Extra Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon.
Chocolate Twist: Swap raisins for chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Cranberry Apple: Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tart, fruity kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Conclusion
These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are the ultimate combination of comfort, flavor, and texture. They’re the kind of treat that reminds you of home, perfect for enjoying with loved ones or savoring quietly with a good book. Whether you follow the recipe as is or put your own spin on it, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in rolled oats, chopped apples, and, if desired, walnuts and raisins. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
