These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet apple bits. They bring a tasty twist to a classic cookie, and the oats give them a nice hearty feel!
Whenever I bake these, my kitchen smells like fall. 🍏🍂 I can’t help but snack on a couple while they cool—who can resist warm cookies? Plus, they’re perfect with a glass of milk!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, which works well for baking.
Rolled oats: These provide chewiness and a hearty texture. If you want a nuttier flavor, consider using steel-cut oats, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Quick oats can be used too if that’s what you have on hand.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but feel free to try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter cookie. If you’re short on fresh apples, applesauce can be used instead—about 1/2 cup will do.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice as it allows you to control the salt level. If you want a lighter version, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
Nuts and raisins: They’re optional but can add great texture and flavor. Swap them out for chocolate chips or dried cranberries if that’s what you prefer.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar is key to getting light and fluffy cookies. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with room temperature butter; it blends better.
- Mix the butter and sugars on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy.
- Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything mixes evenly.
This step adds air to the batter, crucial for tender cookies. Don’t rush it, take the time to cream well!
How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple; Granny Smith or other tart apple recommended)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake, so in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious cookies! Plus, they’ll cool for just a bit on the baking sheets before you dive in.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking these cookies. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy!
2. Mixing The Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This mix of dry ingredients will add flavor and help the cookies rise. Once combined, set this bowl aside.
3. Creaming The Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You want to get lots of air into the butter to make your cookies soft and chewy!
4. Adding in Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This will add flavor and moisture to the cookie dough.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this can cause the cookies to be tough!
6. Stirring in Oats and Apples:
Now, stir in the rolled oats and the finely chopped apples. If you’re using nuts or raisins, fold those in too. This is the fun part where you get to see all the delicious bits incorporated into your dough!
7. Dropping Dough on Baking Sheets:
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread while baking.
8. Baking the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when they turn golden brown around the edges and look set in the middle.
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them firm up just right.
10. Storing Your Cookies:
Store your cooled Apple Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They might not last that long, though, because everyone will want to grab one!
Enjoy these soft, chewy Apple Oatmeal Cookies fresh out of the oven or with a nice cup of tea or milk. Happy baking! 🍏🍪
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter cookie. Experiment to find your perfect match!
What If I Don’t Have Rolled Oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats on hand, you can use quick oats instead. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they will still work well in the recipe. Avoid using steel-cut oats as they require longer cooking times.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes! To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg. They’ll still be delicious!
