Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Delicious: Combining the fiber-rich benefits of oats with the natural sweetness of apples, these cookies offer a healthful twist on traditional treats.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch even on busy mornings.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a midday energy boost, or a wholesome dessert.
- Diet-Friendly: Made without refined flour or sugar, and adaptable for gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) instant oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (28g) coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120mL) agave nectar
- 1 cup (125g) finely diced red apple (about 1 medium apple)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the instant oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil or butter with the egg until well combined. Add in the vanilla extract and agave nectar, stirring until smooth.
- Mix Together: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the finely diced apple.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly to form cookie shapes.
- Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 15 cookies
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 13-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
- Nut Add-Ins: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and protein.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries to enhance the sweetness and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
- Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Reheating: Enjoy the cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
What type of oats should I use?
Instant oats, also known as quick-cooking oats, are recommended for this recipe as they yield a softer, chewier texture.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, honey or pure maple syrup can be used in place of agave nectar in equal amounts.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming dry?
Ensure accurate measurement of ingredients, especially the oats and flour. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dryness.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
Unsalted butter or a neutral-flavored vegetable oil can be substituted for coconut oil in equal amounts.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, these cookies are a healthy and tasty option for children, packed with wholesome ingredients.
Can I add spices?
Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth and flavor.
How can I make the cookies sweeter?
Mix in a
Healthy Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Indulge in a wholesome breakfast treat with these Healthy Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies. Packed with hearty oats, sweet apples, and warm spices, these cookies offer the delightful flavors of traditional apple pie in a nutritious, grab-and-go form. They’re soft, chewy, and free from refined flour and sugar, making them an excellent choice for a health-conscious start to your day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) instant oats
- ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (28g) coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120mL) pure maple syrup
- 1 cup (125g) finely diced red apple (about 1 medium apple)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil or butter with the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the maple syrup.
- Form the Dough: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the finely diced apple.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly to your desired thickness.
- Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Sweetness Level: These cookies are lightly sweetened, making them suitable for breakfast. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or a sprinkle of your favorite sweetener.