These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet apple chunks! They’re perfect for a snack or a warm treat with your favorite drink.
What I love most is how the cinnamon and apples make every bite cozy and comforting. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some fruit! Who doesn’t love a tasty cookie that feels a little healthier? 🍏🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. Both will still give you that nice chewy texture.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a caramel flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar).
Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for this recipe. If you want to use softer ones, reduce the cooking time slightly. Pears can also be a tasty alternative!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture, but if you only have quick oats, they will still work. Just remember the cookies might be a bit softer.
Nuts/Raisins: Feel free to leave these out if you’re not a fan, or swap for chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweeter twist!
How Do I Get Chewy Cookies Every Time?
The secret to chewy cookies lies in the butter and sugar creaming step. Make sure to cream them until fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Beat the butter and sugars for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is pale in color and fluffy.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the cookies. They should look set in the middle but still soft when you take them out.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with a batch of cookies that are perfectly chewy and delightful!
Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 1 large apple, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the cookies cool for a bit before enjoying! In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take out your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s important to incorporate air for a nice texture!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix until everything is combined smoothly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices throughout the cookies.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender!
6. Fold in Oats and Apples:
Stir in the rolled oats and diced apples. If you’re using nuts or raisins, fold those in too. This is where your cookie dough gets chunky and delightful!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little while baking.
8. Baking Time!
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. You want them to be soft and chewy!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up nicely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, dig in! Enjoy these warm or let them cool completely, and serve with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, ideal for sharing with friends or keeping for yourself over the week. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (about 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar). It gives a similar flavor and moisture. You can also try coconut sugar for a different taste!
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil as substitutes for unsalted butter. Just make sure to use the same amount, and if using coconut oil, it should be softened but not melted to maintain the right consistency in the dough.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Definitely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
