These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm cinnamon, juicy apple chunks, and hearty oats. They make the perfect fall-inspired treat, great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With a hint of brown sugar and a touch of spice, these cookies bring comforting flavors to every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy – The perfect texture with crisp edges and a tender center.
- Full of warm flavors – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar complement the fresh apples.
- Easy to make – No chilling required, so they come together quickly.
- Healthy-ish – Made with oats and real apples for a wholesome treat.
- Great for meal prep – Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a lunchbox addition.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Apple, peeled and finely diced
- Chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)
- Raisins or dried cranberries (optional, for extra sweetness)
Directions

- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars – In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix the dough – Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in diced apples, nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Scoop and bake – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and enjoy – Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version – Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg.
- Apple Pie Twist – Add a dash of cloves and ginger for extra spice.
- Caramel Apple Cookies – Drizzle with caramel for a sweet finish.
- Healthier Version – Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats give the best chewiness.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, but chilling for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and texture.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold their shape and add great flavor.
Can I make these without sugar?
Yes! Use honey or maple syrup, but the texture may be softer.
Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
You can, but the cookies will be cakier instead of chewy.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store them with a slice of bread in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Can I add white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate pairs wonderfully with apples and cinnamon.
Are these good for breakfast?
Yes! They’re made with oats and apples, making them a great on-the-go breakfast.
How do I make them crispier?
Bake for an extra 2-3 minutes for crispier edges.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in batches as needed.
Conclusion
These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a delicious blend of warm spices, juicy apples, and hearty oats, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall dessert or a healthy-ish snack, this easy recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try them today and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade apple goodness!
PrintApple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with juicy apple pieces, hearty oats, and warm cinnamon. They’re like apple pie in cookie form—perfect for fall or anytime you want a comforting treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apple (peeled, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples, nuts, and raisins (if using).
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are golden brown but centers are still soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Add white chocolate chips for a fun twist!