Bring the cozy, comforting flavors of a homemade apple pie into a portable, wholesome treat with these Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with chunks of fresh apple and warm cinnamon spice. Unlike crispy cookies, these have a texture more like a baked oatmeal cup or a muffin top, making them a perfect breakfast cookie or a healthy afternoon snack. They are naturally sweetened and packed with whole grains, proving that you don’t need excessive sugar to make something delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The “Pie” Flavor Without the Crust
If you love the filling of an apple pie—the tender apples, the nutmeg, the cinnamon—you will adore these. We use fresh apples diced small so they cook through and become tender in the short baking time. The aroma while they bake is intoxicating, filling your kitchen with the scent of fall.
Wholesome & Nutritious
Made with rolled oats, whole wheat flour (or gluten-free oats), and fresh fruit, these cookies are fiber-rich and satisfying. They provide sustained energy rather than a sugar spike. They are kid-friendly and sturdy enough to pack in a lunchbox, offering a sneaky way to get an extra serving of fruit and grains into your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 0.5 cup butter, softened
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup apple, peeled and finely diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk flour, oats, and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in diced apples.
- Scoop onto baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide the best chewy texture. Instant oats can make them too soft.
Apple: Granny Smith or Fuji apples hold their shape well. Dice them finely!
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The spices that define the “apple pie” profile.
Butter: Adds richness and tenderness.
Brown Sugar: Molasses notes pair perfectly with the apples.
Egg: The binder.
Smart Substitutions
For a vegan version, use a flax egg and coconut oil or vegan butter. You can swap the flour for almond flour for a denser, nuttier cookie. If you want extra texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans. Dried cranberries or raisins can also be added for extra chewiness. Maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar, but reduce the other liquids slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and finely dice the apple—aim for pieces about the size of a pea so they distribute evenly.
Mixing Phase
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples (and nuts if using). The dough will be thick and chunky.
Baking Phase
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your hand, as they won’t spread much.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The size of the apple pieces is crucial. If they are too big, the cookie will crumble apart. Keep them small! Also, don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added, or the cookies will become tough. Fold the apples in gently by hand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is overbaking. These cookies are meant to be soft. If you bake them until they are hard, they lose their charm. They will firm up as they cool, so take them out when they still look slightly underdone in the center.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert upgrade. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes them over the top.
Pairing Suggestions
These make a great breakfast side. If you love simple cookie recipes, you should check out our 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies for another easy baking win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? How do I store them?
Because of the fresh apple, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week.
Q2? Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, chill the dough balls, then freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
Q3? Can I leave the skin on the apples?
Yes, but peeling them gives a softer, more uniform texture inside the cookie.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies are a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Soft, spiced, and studded with fruit, they are a cozy treat that everyone in the family will love.
