Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies strike the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible with every bite. The oats add texture, the apples keep them moist, and the cinnamon infuses warmth. They’re great for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or a sweet ending to dinner. Plus, they’re made with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Brown sugar
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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All-purpose flour
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Baking soda
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Ground cinnamon
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Salt
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Old-fashioned rolled oats
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Apples, peeled and finely diced
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Optional: chopped walnuts or raisins
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
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Stir in oats, diced apples, and optional add-ins like walnuts or raisins.
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Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
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Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
Makes about 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 37 minutes
Variations
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Glazed Apple Cookies: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after cooling.
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Apple Pie Twist: Add nutmeg and allspice for a spiced-up version.
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Healthier Option: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
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Nutty Crunch: Add pecans, almonds, or walnuts for texture.
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Chewy Raisin Addition: Stir in raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for these cookies?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well during baking.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Can I substitute the butter with coconut oil?
Yes, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the apples from making the cookies soggy?
Dice apples finely and blot them with paper towels before mixing into the dough.
Can I add caramel to these cookies?
Yes, fold in caramel bits for a caramel apple twist.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, scoop portions onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
How can I make them extra chewy?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar and avoid overbaking.
Conclusion
Apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are a delightful homemade treat filled with warmth, sweetness, and texture. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or pairing with a cup of tea or coffee, they’re a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Soft, chewy, and full of apple-cinnamon goodness, these cookies are a must-try for cookie lovers.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Soft and chewy oatmeal cookies packed with warm cinnamon spice, sweet apple chunks, and hearty oats — the perfect fall-inspired treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup finely diced apple (peeled, firm variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in oats and diced apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
