Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are a perfect little treat that combines soft, chewy oats with warm cinnamon and sweet apple chunks. These cookies feel just right when you want something…
Tip: save now, cook later.Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are a perfect little treat that combines soft, chewy oats with warm cinnamon and sweet apple chunks. These cookies feel just right when you want something comforting but not too heavy, with a nice balance of flavors that remind me of cozy fall afternoons.
I love baking these cookies because the smell of cinnamon mixing with fresh apples fills the whole kitchen and makes everything feel homey. It’s such a simple way to bring a bit of happiness into the day. Plus, the oats add just enough texture to make every bite interesting and satisfying.
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is slightly warmed up with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea. They’re great for sharing with friends or just having as a little pick-me-up snack. If you want, you can even add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top before baking to make the flavor pop even more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt better. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil instead—it gives a nice subtle flavor but may change the texture slightly.
Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold shape and add a fresh tartness. You can swap with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add chewiness and texture. Avoid quick oats if you want the classic cookie feel—they tend to make the dough too soft.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and richness thanks to its molasses content. If you only have white sugar, use it but add a tablespoon of molasses for similar flavor.
Optional Nuts and Fruits: Walnuts, pecans, raisins, and dried cranberries offer extra texture and sweetness. Feel free to leave them out or swap based on what you have or prefer.
How Do You Keep Apple Pieces From Making the Cookie Too Wet?
Fresh apple adds moisture, so balance is key. Here are a few tips:
- Chop apples into small, even pieces so they bake thoroughly and distribute moisture evenly.
- Pat the chopped apples dry with a paper towel if they seem very juicy.
- Don’t overload the dough with apples; about 1 cup is enough to keep the cookie soft, not soggy.
- Bake until edges are golden but centers still look soft; the cookies will firm up a bit as they cool.
These tips helped me get tender, chewy cookies with just the right apple moisture every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – perfect for evenly baking your cookies without burning the edges.
- Parchment paper – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll want at least two: one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon – makes combining butter and sugars smooth and quick.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps you portion dough evenly for consistent cookie sizes.
- Wire rack – great for cooling cookies so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped dried apricots or cherries for a sweet-tart twist that complements apples well.
- Mix in a handful of white or dark chocolate chips for a touch of creamy sweetness.
- Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds to change up the nutty flavor and crunch.
- Try adding a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for warmer spice notes.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple (firm variety like Granny Smith)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll want a few extra minutes to cool the cookies on the baking sheets and then on wire racks before serving, so plan for around 30 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to stop the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps spread the spices evenly and prevents lumps.
4. Bring It All Together:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Then fold in the oats, chopped apples, and your choice of nuts or dried fruit if using, stirring gently so everything is well combined.
5. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up a little, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature—these cookies go great with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for These Cookies?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding. This helps prevent the dough from becoming too wet and affecting the cookie texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Absolutely! You can swap unsalted butter with equal parts of coconut oil or margarine, but note that this might slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How Do I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free rolled oats and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. This will keep your cookies delicious and safe for gluten sensitivities.