Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies have been a staple in my kitchen for years, especially when the leaves start to turn. I remember my mom making batches of these cookies when I was little, and the smell of warm apples and cinnamon filling our home always felt like the coziest hug. This simple apple cinnamon oatmeal cookie recipe is truly the best way to capture that nostalgic feeling. They’re perfectly chewy, bursting with spiced apple flavor, and packed with wholesome oats. If you’ve ever wondered how to make apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery, you’re in the right place. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- The perfect balance of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and hearty oats creates an irresistible taste.
- You can whip up a batch of these easy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and apples, these are a delicious way to enjoy a treat.
- They’re incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
- Kids adore them! They’re a fantastic, crowd-pleasing option for school lunches or after-school snacks.
- These healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies offer a satisfying chewiness that’s just delightful.
- The comforting aroma while baking will fill your home with a cozy, inviting scent.
- They are wonderfully versatile, tasting just as good plain or with a simple glaze.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie Ingredients
Gathering your apple cinnamon oatmeal cookie ingredients is the first exciting step to creating these delightful treats. I always make sure my butter is softened for perfect creaming and my apples are finely chopped so they bake evenly into the dough. These key components ensure the best texture and flavor for your homemade cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – essential for that tender, chewy texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar – provides sweetness and helps with browning
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – adds moisture and a lovely caramel note
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the base structure for our cookies
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise and spread
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – the star spice for that warm, comforting flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – adds depth and complexity to the spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors
- 3 cups rolled oats – for that classic hearty oatmeal cookie texture
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples) – the fresh, fruity heart of these cookies
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – for a delightful crunch
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line my baking sheets with parchment paper because it makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the cookies don’t stick.
- Step 2: In a big bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial for that tender texture in your homemade apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. This dry mix is where all the cozy spice comes from!
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we don’t want tough cookies!
- Step 6: Now for the fun part! Stir in the rolled oats, finely chopped apples, and those optional nuts. The dough will be thick and fragrant.
- Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Give them about 2 inches of space between each one, as they will spread a bit when baking.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be a beautiful golden brown, while the centers still look slightly soft. This is the key to perfectly baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies that are delightfully chewy.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
- Step 10: While the cookies are cooling, whip up the maple glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until you have a smooth, drizzly consistency.
- Step 11: Drizzle that sweet maple glaze over your cooled cookies. Enjoy the aroma and the anticipation of that first bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Want to elevate your baking game? These little tricks will ensure your cookies are absolutely perfect every time.
- Use a mix of granulated and brown sugar for the ideal balance of crisp edges and chewy centers.
- Don’t overbake! Pull them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks a tad soft for that perfect texture.
- Finely chop your apples. Large chunks can make the cookies too moist or cause them to break apart.
- Letting the dough rest for 30 minutes in the fridge can help the flavors meld and prevent over-spreading.
What’s the secret to perfect apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies?
The magic is in the balance! Using both granulated and brown sugar, plus finely chopped apples and rolled oats, creates wonderfully complex flavors and that coveted chewy texture. Don’t overmix the dough!
Can I make apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just scoop and bake as usual, though you might need an extra minute or two of baking time. For more about our practices, please see our privacy policy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies?
To prevent them from spreading too much, ensure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough if it seems too warm. Overmixing is another culprit; mix just until combined. This will help avoid situations where why are my apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies flat. You can learn more about baking science on The Science of Cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
These delightful cookies are fantastic on their own, but I love pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a truly special treat, consider serving these apple oatmeal cookies with cinnamon alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – the warm cookie and cold ice cream combination is divine! They also make a wonderful addition to any brunch spread or a cozy afternoon tea. Don’t be afraid to get creative and enjoy them however you please! For more about our site, visit our about me page.
Nutrition Facts for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies strike a wonderful balance of flavor and wholesome ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you add nuts or a generous glaze. For our terms, please review our terms of use.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Once your delicious baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies have completely cooled, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing is a fantastic option. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months! This apple cinnamon oatmeal cookie recipe storage method ensures you always have a tasty treat on hand. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can simply let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and aroma. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
What are apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies?
Apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are delightful baked goods that combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats with the comforting flavors of apples and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. They’re a classic treat, perfect for autumn but wonderful year-round.
Is this a good cinnamon apple oatmeal cookie recipe for beginners?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic cinnamon apple oatmeal cookie recipe for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common pantry staples. You’ll find success even if you’re new to baking. For more information on our affiliate practices, please see our affiliate disclaimer.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use instant oats, I highly recommend rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) for the best texture. Instant oats tend to break down more during baking, which can result in a softer, less chewy cookie.
How do I get that perfect chewy texture?
For perfectly chewy cookies, be careful not to overbake them. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Variations of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can have a lot of fun tweaking these apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies to suit your preferences or dietary needs. I love experimenting with different add-ins and methods!
- Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: To make these vegan, simply swap the butter for vegan butter sticks and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or applesauce instead of regular eggs.
- Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated.
- Spiced Apple Oatmeal Cookies: Amp up the spice factor by adding an extra pinch of nutmeg or a touch of cardamom to the dry ingredients. This gives them a richer, more complex flavor profile.
- No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: While this recipe is for baked cookies, you can adapt the concept into no-bake versions by using a binder like nut butter and letting them firm up in the refrigerator.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: Amazing Fall Treat
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delicious Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, a perfect blend of comforting fall spices, wholesome oats, and tender apples. Drizzled with a sweet maple glaze, these homemade cookies are an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown 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 ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Maple Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the rolled oats, chopped apples, and nuts (if using) to create your apple cinnamon oatmeal cookie dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the maple glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies.
Notes
- Ensure your apples are finely chopped to distribute evenly in the cookie dough.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven for the perfect chewy or crisp apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg