Here’s a delicious recipe for Oatmeal Apple Cookies—a comforting treat with the perfect balance of chewy oats and sweet, spiced apples. These cookies are ideal for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert with a warm drink.
Oatmeal Apple Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sug
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more, to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Stir in the rolled oats, diced apple, and any additional add-ins (like raisins or nuts) using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor, choose a sweet-tart apple variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- Dice Apples Finely: Small apple pieces ensure even distribution and prevent overly moist spots in the cookies.
- Customize Spices: Add more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves for a bolder spiced flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Glazed Oatmeal Apple Cookies: Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.
- Cranberry Apple Oatmeal Cookies: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter, egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Healthier Option: Swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome cookie.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make these cookies gluten-free.
Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. If chilled, add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: Ensure your butter is not too soft, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you notice excessive spreading.
These Oatmeal Apple Cookies combine the warmth of cinnamon-spiced oats with the juicy sweetness of fresh apples. Perfect for cozy fall days or any time you’re craving a comforting treat, these cookies are sure to please family and friends. Whip up a batch and enjoy their soft, chewy goodness today!
