If you love the cozy flavors of fall and crave a cookie that’s both hearty and sweet, then this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how these cookies come out perfectly chewy with bursts of warm cinnamon and tender apple pieces in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it over and over — my family goes crazy for these!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Chewy Texture: The oats and softened butter combine to deliver a soft, chewy cookie every single time.
- Burst of Apple Flavor: I use chopped dried apples for a natural sweetness and tender bite that fresh apples just can’t match in cookies.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need right in your pantry, making it a go-to last-minute treat.
- Family Favorite: Once I made a batch for my kids’ lunchboxes, these disappeared faster than any cookie I’ve baked before!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together to create a cookie that’s not only flavorful but also packed with texture and warmth. Using both brown sugar and regular sugar adds depth, while cinnamon brings that irresistible spice vibe. When shopping, look for old-fashioned oats rather than instant—trust me, they make a big difference here.
- Butter: Softened butter creams up easily and adds rich flavor and tenderness.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives moisture and caramel notes that make the cookies extra delicious.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds that perfect touch of sweetness and helps with slightly crisp edges.
- Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature so they mix smoothly into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way enhancing all the other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure; flour amount is key for just the right chew.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice is the secret to bringing out that warm apple pie feel.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a perfect texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the cinnamon and apple flavors.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Provides heartiness and chewy texture – not overly soft like quick oats.
- Chopped Dried Apples: I prefer dried apples because they stay tender while adding a concentrated apple flavor.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is. You can easily make it your own by switching up mix-ins or tweaking spices to suit your mood. Play around and find what works best for you — that’s half the fun!
- Add Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a little nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
- Swap Dried Fruit: If you’re not an apple fan, try dried cranberries or raisins instead for a different but equally delicious twist.
- Make Them Vegan: I’ve had success swapping butter for coconut oil and using a flax egg for the binder—just watch baking time carefully.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a more complex fall spice profile.
How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Light and Fluffy
Start by softening your butter to room temperature—that’s key! Then, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar for about 5–7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is pale and fluffy, almost mousse-like. This step traps air, which makes your cookies nice and soft.
Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t skip this or your batter could look curdled. Stir in the vanilla extract for that familiar warm and sweet aroma that makes you feel right at home.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed. Keep an eye on the texture — you want a well-combined dough, but don’t overmix or your cookies might get tough.
Step 4: Stir in Oats and Dried Apples
This is the fun part. Use a spatula to fold in the old-fashioned oats and chopped dried apples. You’ll notice the dough getting thicker and studded with tasty bits — it’s a great sign you’re almost there!
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough at least 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. I like using a cookie scoop here for uniform cookies that bake evenly. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until edges turn golden but the center still looks slightly soft. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for one minute—they firm up perfectly as they cool.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Eggs & Butter: It helps ingredients mix better, giving you that perfect fluffy batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to firm as they cool, so pull them out when centers still look a little soft.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies—too much flour makes them dry.
- Keep Cookies Separated: Leave enough space on the baking sheet so cookies don’t merge while baking.
How to Serve Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking to boost that spicy sweetness. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce when serving to take these cookies from everyday to oh-so-special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot apple cider or a rich mug of chai tea. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns this into a cozy dessert everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like arranging these Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe on a wooden tray with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a rustic, inviting display. You can also wrap small stacks in parchment tied with twine for charming edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay soft and tasty for up to 5 days. If you want to keep that fresh-baked feel, layering them between parchment paper does wonders to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. I drop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the lumps to a freezer-safe bag. When you want some, just bake from frozen—adding a couple extra minutes to baking time works perfectly.
Reheating
To revive frozen or leftover cookies, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This helps bring back that freshly baked softness and chewiness I know you’ll appreciate.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples in this recipe?
Fresh apples add moisture which can affect the texture and baking time, making cookies softer and possibly a bit soggy. If you prefer fresh apples, finely dice them and reduce any added liquids elsewhere, plus bake a little longer—but dried apples generally give you better texture and concentrated flavor.
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What type of oats work best for these cookies?
I highly recommend old-fashioned rolled oats. They hold up well during baking and give that amazing chewy texture. Quick oats tend to be too soft and may make the cookies crumbly.
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How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, too. The texture might vary slightly but they’ll still be delicious!
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Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just scoop and bake as usual, but you might want to add an extra minute or two to baking time if chilled.
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Why are my cookies sometimes too dry?
This usually happens if the flour is packed too tightly or you’ve baked the cookies a bit too long. Measuring flour correctly with a spoon-and-level method and watching your cookies closely during baking can prevent dryness.
Final Thoughts
My journey with this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe started when I was hunting for a wholesome snack that satisfied my sweet tooth without feeling too heavy. What I discovered was a recipe that’s easy to make, reliably delicious, and loved by everyone—especially on a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea. I can’t recommend it enough, so grab those ingredients and give it a try. You’re going to love the warm, comforting hug of flavor in each bite!
Print
Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 dozen cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these chewy and flavorful Apple Oatmeal Cookies, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and studded with tender dried apples. A comforting treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet touch of apples, ideal for a cozy snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step creates a smooth base and incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the room-temperature eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending well after each addition to create a uniform dough.
- Fold in Oats and Apples: Gently stir the old-fashioned oats and chopped dried apples into the dough, distributing them evenly without overmixing, which keeps the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Cool: Let the cookies stand on the baking sheets for 1 minute after removing from the oven, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps set their texture.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
- You can substitute dried apples with raisins or dried cranberries for a different fruity twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar slightly to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
