A Cozy and Flavorful Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both wholesome and delicious, Apple Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect choice. With the warm flavors of cinnamon, tender chunks of apple, and the hearty texture of oats, these cookies are like a bite of comfort in every chew. Perfect for fall or any time of year, they’re a great option for dessert, snacking, or even breakfast on the go.
Let’s dive into this cozy recipe that’s sure to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spiced apples and baked goodness.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Wholesome and delicious: The combination of oats and apples makes these cookies comforting and satisfying.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or breakfast on-the-go.
- Easy to customize: Add nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel for a personalized touch.
- Great for sharing: A crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for gatherings or gifting.
What Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookie dough:
- All-purpose flour (for structure and texture)
- Old-fashioned oats (for a hearty, chewy base)
- Butter (for richness and moisture)
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar (to balance sweetness and add depth)
- Eggs (to bind the dough)
- Vanilla extract (for warm, aromatic flavor)
- Baking soda and baking powder (to help the cookies rise)
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg (to enhance the spiced flavor)
- Chopped apples (for natural sweetness and moisture)
Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), raisins, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch.
How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Prepare the cookie dough:
- Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg—until combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins.
- Chill the dough:
- For the best texture and to prevent spreading, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop and bake:
- Scoop portions of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for a soft, flavorful treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Dice the Apples Evenly:
- Cut the apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and avoid overly large chunks.
- Toast the Oats:
- Lightly toast the oats in the oven before mixing for a nutty, deep flavor.
- Customize the Add-Ins:
- Mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or white chocolate chips to elevate the cookies’ flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake:
- Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Use Freshly Grated Nutmeg:
- For the best flavor, grate nutmeg directly from the seed for a fresher, more aromatic spice.
Storage Information
- At room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them soft.
- In the refrigerator: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- In the freezer: Freeze the cookie dough in portioned balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQ: Apple Oatmeal Cookies
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but quick oats will result in a softer texture. For the best chewiness, stick with old-fashioned oats.
2. What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully, as they hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the cookie.
3. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! A pinch of ground cloves or cardamom can add an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough and using cool baking sheets will help the cookies hold their shape.
5. Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version. Use a gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free cookies.
A Cozy Cookie for All Seasons
These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of hearty oats, warm spices, and tender apples, creating a cookie that’s equal parts comforting and delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday platter, a family snack, or just to enjoy the simple joy of home-baked goodness, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen fill with the warm, irresistible aroma of apple and cinnamon.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your tips, favorite add-ins, or baking stories in the comments below! 🍎✨
Delicious Apple Oatmeal Cookies
These Apple Oatmeal Cookies combine the heartiness of oats, the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the natural sweetness of tender apple chunks. Perfectly chewy and lightly spiced, they’re an irresistible treat for any time of year. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared at a gathering, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra comfort and joy to your day! 🍎✨
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
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Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside
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Blend butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs in a large bowl or electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla and beat until smooth.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter/sugar mixture and blend well. Mix in oats.
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Peel and finely dice the apple. You should get about 1 cup of apple pieces.
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Fold the apple pieces into the dough.
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Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place evenly on a lined cookie sheet.
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Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browning on the edges of the cookies. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer to a cooling rack.
Note
- The cookies will look a little unbaked on the top when they come out, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- I like to taste more of the spices in the cookie, so I increased the ground cinnamon to 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons, one teaspoon of nutmeg, and one teaspoon of ginger.
- This oatmeal cookie recipe is an excellent base for other mix-ins, such as butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, or raisins. If you use a mix-in other than apples, bake for 10 minutes instead of 12.
- These cookies freeze really well! Just place the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container.
