These apple oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat, full of chewy oats and sweet apple chunks. They’re perfect for snacking any time of day!
Making these cookies is super easy, and your kitchen will smell heavenly! I love popping them in the oven while I’m reading a good book—it’s the ultimate cozy moment!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softening butter is key to a fluffy cookie texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. It works surprisingly well!
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a nice caramel flavor to your cookies. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix granulated sugar with a little molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to make a substitution.
Oats: Using old-fashioned rolled oats gives great texture. If you want something gluten-free, check for certified gluten-free oats, or you can use quick oats in a pinch.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but any sweet apple will do! If fresh apples aren’t an option, unsweetened applesauce (1 cup) can replace them for moisture and flavor.
Nuts: While walnuts and pecans add a great crunch, feel free to skip them if nuts aren’t your thing. Instead, you can toss in some chocolate chips for a different twist!
How Do I Get Evenly Baked Cookies?
To ensure your cookies bake evenly, try these helpful tips:
- Measure your flour properly—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Overpacking can lead to dense cookies.
- Space the cookies out on the baking sheet. Two inches apart allows heat to circulate evenly.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to avoid hot spots and promote even baking.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out when they’re just golden on the edges.
Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup peeled, finely chopped or grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or raisins
Time Estimate
This yummy recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake, with a total time of around 30 minutes including cooling. Perfect for a rainy afternoon!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, get your baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for the texture of your cookies!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and stir until combined. The mixture should be nice and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
5. Mix Dry Into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; don’t overmix!
6. Add Oats, Apples, and Optional Ingredients
Now it’s time to stir in the oats and your chopped or grated apple. If you chose to add nuts or raisins, fold those in as well. This mix will give your cookies a delicious chewy texture and fruity flavor!
7. Prepare for Baking
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one—they need room to spread as they bake!
8. Bake the Cookies
Pop your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly.
9. Cool Down
Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
These soft and chewy apple oatmeal cookies are perfect for sharing! Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or a nice cup of tea. They also make a delightful snack any time of the day!
With their wholesome ingredients, these cookies are not only delicious, but they also bring that cozy feeling right into your kitchen. Happy baking!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats in this recipe! Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different; quick oats may result in a softer cookie.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, consider using a flaxseed meal or chia seed gel (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg). Alternatively, 1/4 cup applesauce per egg works well, too!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. Just be mindful not to go overboard with add-ins, so the cookie structure remains intact!
