These apple oatmeal cookies are soft, chewy, and full of yummy apple bits! They’re a great treat for any time of day and make your kitchen smell amazing while baking!
Honestly, the combination of oats and apples feels like a warm hug. I love enjoying these with a cup of tea or coffee—perfect for any cozy moment! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of these cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. I’ve tried using almond flour, but it changes the texture a bit, so be mindful of that!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for this recipe because they add a nice tartness. You can use any firm apple, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but avoid soft apples as they may turn mushy in the cookies.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. Instant oats can work too, but they may make the cookies a little less chewy. If you want a nutty flavor, try adding oat flour for part of the all-purpose flour.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans are optional. I love throwing in walnuts for a crunch! If allergies are a concern, feel free to leave them out or substitute with sunflower seeds.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
Getting that perfect soft and chewy texture involves a couple of key techniques:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for softness.
- Underbake slightly! Pull your cookies out when the edges are set, but the centers look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking. This helps them set perfectly without becoming too firm when they cool.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious batch of soft, chewy cookies every time! Happy baking! 🍏🍪
Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (about 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes to cool down. In under 30 minutes, you can have delicious, homemade cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This mixture will help to create a nice texture in your cookies!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This will add a lovely flavor to your cookies!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in Oats and Apple:
Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and the finely diced apple (and nuts if you’re adding them). Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. They will spread while baking!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Savor:
Enjoy your warm, chewy apple oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite drink! They’re a delightful treat that everyone will love!
These cookies are a lovely mix of wholesome oats and delicious apple chunks, with spices that warm your heart. Happy baking! 🍏🍪
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Can I Freeze These Apple Oatmeal Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
What Other Fruits Can I Use Instead of Apple?
If you’d like to switch it up, you can use diced pears or even mashed bananas instead of apples. Each fruit will add a unique flavor while maintaining the cookie’s chewy texture. Enjoy experimenting!
