These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet apples and wholesome oats. They make a perfect snack for any time of day!
Trust me, these cookies disappear fast! I like to enjoy them warm with a glass of milk. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some fruit! 🍏🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I always prefer unsalted butter for baking its flavor is pure and allows you to control the salt. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works well too.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar, but the cookies may be slightly less chewy.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats are the best choice for texture. If you have quick oats, you can use those too, but they may make the cookies a little softer.
Apples: I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but any crisp apple works. You could also use pre-cooked applesauce for a smoother texture!
Nuts and Chocolate Chips: I think walnuts give a nice crunch, but feel free to substitute pecans or leave them out altogether. Chocolate chips or raisins are great additions for more flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Turn Out Chewy?
To get those perfectly chewy cookies, you’ll want to pay attention to a few key steps:
- Mix the sugars and butter until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets that help the cookies stay soft.
- Avoid over-mixing after adding flour. This helps maintain the cookie’s chewy texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Take them out when they are just starting to brown on the edges; they will continue to cook as they cool.
These tips will really help you achieve the perfect batch of chewy apple oatmeal cookies! Enjoy baking!
Delicious Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious cookies in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line your baking sheets 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, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s like a little workout for your arms!
3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices really give flavor to your cookies!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined—try not to overdo it, as this can make your cookies tough.
6. Add Oats, Apples, and Optional Mix-ins:
Stir in the rolled oats and chopped apples until evenly mixed. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, mix those in too. The mix-in options let you customize your cookies!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Once cooled, you can serve and enjoy your lovely apple oatmeal cookies! If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!). Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may result in a denser cookie. You might want to start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose to see how you like the texture.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that the oats you use are labeled gluten-free, as some oats can be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Absolutely! You can substitute the apples with other fruits like pears, peaches, or even dried cranberries. Just make sure they have a similar moisture content to maintain the cookie’s texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!