There’s nothing like the smell of apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies baking in the oven—that sweet, cozy aroma that makes your whole house feel like a hug. These are my go-to cookies when I want something wholesome but still totally indulgent. The best part? They come together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Just imagine biting into a chewy oatmeal cookie packed with juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon spice. I make these every fall when apples are at their peak, but honestly? They’re so good, I bake them year-round. One batch disappears faster than you can say “Is there milk in the fridge?”
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Trust me, these aren’t your average oatmeal cookies. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite:
- Easy as pie (but really, easier): Just creaming, mixing, and scooping – no fancy techniques needed
- Perfectly chewy texture: The oats and apples create this amazing soft-but-substantial bite
- Cozy flavors that scream home: That apple-cinnamon combo? Pure comfort in every bite
- Wholesome enough for breakfast: (Not that I’m judging if you eat them for breakfast…)
- Kid-approved: My picky nephew calls them “apple pie cookies” and begs for seconds
Seriously, one taste and you’ll be hooked. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool enough to eat!
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
What I love about these cookies is how simple the ingredient list is – just good, honest stuff that works together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Not melted! Just left out until your finger leaves a slight dent
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar – Pack it in there good – the molasses flavor makes all the difference
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For that perfect balance of sweetness
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature helps them blend smoothly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – The good stuff, not imitation
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it – no packing!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Check that it’s fresh for maximum rise
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – I sometimes sneak in an extra 1/4 tsp because I can’t help myself
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Brings all the flavors together
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats – Quick oats work too, but the texture won’t be as hearty
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples – About 1 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp (my secret is to cut them small so they bake evenly)
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that make magic together. Now let’s get mixing!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Okay, let’s get baking! These apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies come together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one so they turn out perfect every time. Don’t worry – it’s practically foolproof. Just follow along and soon you’ll have a kitchen that smells like autumn heaven.
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Now grab that softened butter (remember – not melted!) and both sugars. Here’s my trick: beat them together for a good 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. You want it light enough that when you swipe your finger through, it leaves a smooth trail. This step builds the foundation for that perfect chewy texture!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While your butter and sugars are getting cozy, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl. And I mean really whisk them – you want that cinnamon and baking soda evenly distributed so every bite has that warm spice. No one wants a bite with all the cinnamon in one spot! This little extra effort makes all the difference.
Step 3: Combine and Add Apples
Now for the fun part! Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your butter mixture, then gently fold in the oats and those beautiful diced apples. Here’s where you need to be careful – stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing makes tough cookies, and we want tender, chewy perfection. The dough will be thick and studded with apple pieces – exactly what we’re going for!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared sheets (leave about 2 inches between – they spread!). Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes – I know it’s hard to wait, but this prevents them from falling apart when you transfer them to a wire rack. Then? Dig in and enjoy that apple-cinnamon magic!
Expert Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
After making these cookies more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to wow:
- Want chewier cookies? Pull them out when the centers still look slightly underdone – they’ll set as they cool
- Dough too sticky? Chill it for 30 minutes or work with cold butter next time
- For extra apple flavor, toss your diced apples with a pinch of cinnamon before adding
- Brown your butter for a nutty depth that pairs amazingly with the apples
- Use a cookie scoop – it keeps your portions even and your hands clean
Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference in your cookie game!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Here’s the beautiful thing about these cookies – they’re crazy versatile! Don’t have apples? No sweat. Try these easy swaps:
- Raisins or dried cranberries instead of apples – just soak them in warm water first to plump up
- Gluten-free flour blend works great if you need it – I’ve had success with 1:1 substitutes
- Quick oats can replace rolled oats, though the texture will be a bit less hearty
- For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples
- Spice lovers, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon
Just remember – fresh apples give the most moisture, so other fruits might make a slightly drier cookie. A splash of apple juice can help balance it out!
Storing and Freezing Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Here’s my tried-and-true method for keeping these cookies tasting fresh-baked: pop them in an airtight container with a slice of bread (sounds weird, but trust me – the bread gets stale instead of the cookies!). They’ll stay perfectly chewy for up to 5 days this way.
Want to freeze them? No problem! Just stack cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months – not that they’ll last that long! To enjoy, let them thaw overnight or zap one in the microwave for 10 seconds when that cookie craving hits.
Serving Suggestions
These apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies practically beg to be served warm with a cold glass of milk – it’s classic perfection. But don’t stop there! Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert, or dunk them in your afternoon coffee. My guilty pleasure? Eating them straight from the cookie jar while no one’s looking.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Nutrition
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious cookie (based on my exact recipe): about 150 calories, 2g protein, and 2g fiber to keep you satisfied. Remember – nutrition varies slightly depending on your exact ingredients. These numbers are estimates, but let’s be real – you’re here for the flavor, not the math!
FAQs About Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
I get asked about these cookies all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions:
Can I use steel-cut oats? Oh honey, no! Steel-cut oats stay way too crunchy. Stick with old-fashioned or quick oats for that perfect chew.
How do I prevent soggy cookies from the apples? Two tricks: dice them small (about 1/4-inch pieces) and blot them with a paper towel before adding. Works like a charm!
Why did my cookies spread too much? Probably your butter was too soft or your baking soda’s expired. Next time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend – they turn out great.
How do I know when they’re done? The edges should be golden but centers still slightly soft – they’ll firm up as they cool. Resist the urge to overbake!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof recipe for apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies that always brings smiles. Now go bake a batch and watch them disappear! Don’t forget to tell me how yours turned out – I love hearing your cookie stories almost as much as I love eating them.
Print
Perfect Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies in 12 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious oatmeal cookies with chunks of fresh apple and a hint of cinnamon for a warm, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated 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 salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
- Stir in oats and diced apples until well combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake.
- Substitute raisins for apples if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies, oatmeal cookies, apple cookies, homemade cookies
