Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are a cozy, chewy treat packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon and the sweet, tender bits of apple. These cookies bring together the hearty texture of oats and the natural juiciness of apples, making each bite a little reminder of fall afternoons and kitchen smells that hug you.
I love baking these when I want something that feels wholesome but still lets me sneak in a little sweetness. The cinnamon gives them a gentle spice without being too much, and the apples add a freshness that keeps the cookies soft and enjoyable even days later. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make but always feels like a special treat.
I usually enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk, especially when I’m curled up with a good book or catching up with friends. They’re perfect for lunchbox snacks or a sweet finish to a simple meal. Whenever I bake them, they disappear faster than I expect, so I always recommend making a big batch and sharing some with people you care about!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to get a nice balance with the cinnamon. If fresh apples aren’t handy, chopped dried apples can work—just soak them in warm water first.
Oats: Rolled oats give the best chewy texture. Avoid instant oats since they get too soft. For gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats.
Butter & Sugars: Unsalted butter keeps control on saltiness. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor or use all granulated sugar for a lighter sweet taste. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil.
Spices: Cinnamon is key here, but a touch of nutmeg or allspice adds warmth. If you don’t have nutmeg, just leave it out—it’s optional.
How Can I Keep Apples from Making Cookies Too Wet?
Adding diced fresh apples can sometimes make the cookies soggy. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Dice apples small and dry them with a paper towel before adding.
- Use a firm apple variety to hold shape during baking.
- Don’t overload the dough with too many apple chunks; 1 cup is enough.
- After mixing, chill the dough for 15 minutes to help it firm up before baking.
- Bake until edges are golden and centers are slightly set—this helps moisture cook off properly.
Following these tips will give you chewy cookies with tender apple bites—not soggy ones!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy for even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Mixing bowls – one medium for dry ingredients and one large for wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon – electric mixer speeds up creaming butter and sugars; wooden spoon works too.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts accurate.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps make evenly sized cookies for even baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and stay crisp on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Mix in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries to boost natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Try swapping cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist with warm spice notes.
- Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical hint and extra chewiness.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For The Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or apple juice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation and mixing, 12-15 minutes for baking, plus a few minutes for cooling. If you choose to add the glaze, allow extra 10 minutes for mixing the glaze and letting it set. In total, plan for around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing The Oven and Dry Ingredients:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep cookies from sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until these dry ingredients are well blended.
2. Mixing Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a sturdy spoon. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly.
3. Combining Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Next, fold in the rolled oats and the finely diced apples until evenly mixed throughout the dough.
4. Baking The Cookies:
Drop cookie dough by tablespoons or use a cookie scoop onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
5. Cooling and Glazing:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or apple juice, and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Enjoy your warm, soft apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies alongside a cup of tea or milk for a comforting treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for These Cookies?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen apples well to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent soggy cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Absolutely! You can swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make these cookies dairy-free. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.
Is It Okay to Skip the Glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional and the cookies are delicious without it. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch but doesn’t affect the cookie’s soft texture or apple-cinnamon flavor.
