These apple oatmeal cookies are chewy and packed with sweet bites of apple and warm spices. They’re perfect for a snack or a tasty treat anytime!
Whenever I make these, my kitchen smells so good that I could eat the dough! 🍏 I love having them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends. You can’t go wrong!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookies, providing structure. If you’re gluten-free, go for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to keep the texture nice.
Apples: Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter cookie. Just make sure they’re diced small for even distribution!
Butter: Unsalted butter is standard here. If you prefer to use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, that works too! Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for a chewy texture. Don’t use quick oats—they’ll make the cookies too cakey. Steel-cut oats can be a fun chew but need extra cooking time, so stick with rolled oats.
Nuts/Raisins: If you’re not a nut fan or have allergies, feel free to leave them out. Dried cranberries or even chocolate chips can add a nice twist if you want something different!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, focus on a couple of key techniques while baking.
- Don’t overbake: You want them golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Measure flour correctly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them to hold their shape.
- Add moisture: Ensuring there’s enough apple in the mix adds natural moisture, keeping things soft.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll make superb Apple Oatmeal Cookies every time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apple (about 1 medium apple; Granny Smith or your choice)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 12-15 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to have delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This helps evenly distribute the baking soda and spices. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You want a nice, smooth mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in Oats and Apples:
Gently fold in the rolled oats and the diced apple. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, now’s the time to fold those in too. It should look sticky and full of goodies!
7. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still look a little soft—don’t worry, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy:
These cookies are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Enjoy with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea!
These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with apple flavor and warm spices. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. However, using all whole wheat may make the cookies denser, so consider starting with a 50/50 mix.
How Do I Store These Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing!
Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping them moist.
What Should I Do if My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to scoop, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to handle. You can also try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach your desired consistency.