Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert! These **Apple Pie Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies** are a delightful blend of rustic charm and comforting flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s wonderfully thick, perfectly chewy, and brimming with the warm, aromatic essence of a classic apple pie. Crafted with wholesome ingredients like quick-cooking oats, whole wheat flour, and fresh apples, these cookies aren’t just incredibly delicious – they’re also a healthier twist on a beloved treat.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, or simply a taste of autumn, these apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are guaranteed to impress. Their soft, moist centers and subtly crisp edges make them utterly irresistible. The natural sweetness of apples, combined with the rich, spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a crisp fall day. Get ready to bake a batch of cookies that are so good, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
These **healthy apple pie oatmeal cookies** stand out for several reasons, making them a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast. Beyond their incredible taste and texture, they offer a perfect blend of convenience, versatility, and wholesome goodness. Here’s a deeper look into what makes them so special:
- Irresistibly Delicious & Comforting: These cookies capture the quintessential flavors of a homemade apple pie, transformed into a convenient, handheld treat. The combination of tender apple pieces, warming cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg creates a cozy, nostalgic taste that’s perfect for any time of year, especially autumn. Each bite offers a satisfying chewiness complemented by just the right amount of sweetness.
- Quick and Easy Baking: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. There’s absolutely no chilling time required for the dough, which means you can go from craving to freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need a delicious dessert in a hurry. The straightforward steps are perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Wholesome and Simple Ingredients: We prioritize fresh, natural ingredients to ensure these cookies are not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to many store-bought options. Featuring quick-cooking oats for fiber, whole wheat flour for added nutrients, and fresh apples for natural sweetness and vitamins, you can feel good about indulging in these treats. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
- A Family Favorite for All Ages: These cookies are designed to be loved by everyone. Kids will adore the sweet apple chunks and comforting flavor, while adults will appreciate the balanced sweetness and wholesome profile. They’re a fantastic way to get a serving of fruit into a delightful dessert, making them a guilt-free indulgence for the entire family.
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: Unlike some dry or crumbly oatmeal cookies, these are guaranteed to be thick and wonderfully chewy in the center, with lightly crisp edges. This perfect textural contrast makes each bite a truly satisfying experience. The quick-cooking oats contribute significantly to this desirable chewiness without making the cookies tough.
If you’re looking to expand your cookie repertoire, be sure to try my Lemon Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Icing for a bright, zesty twist, or my Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies for another seasonal favorite that perfectly blends sweet and tart flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Crafting the perfect batch of **apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies** starts with understanding each ingredient and its role. This recipe uses readily available components, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these moist and flavorful cookies:
- Quick-Cooking Oats: These are essential for achieving the right chewy texture in your cookies. Unlike steel-cut oats, which are too coarse and require longer cooking, quick oats break down nicely during baking, creating that signature soft-yet-chewy feel. Do not substitute with steel-cut oats, as the texture will be completely different and may result in a dry or unpalatable cookie.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Opting for whole wheat flour not only adds a nutty depth of flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of these cookies with extra fiber. When measuring, always fluff the flour first by stirring it with a spoon, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup before leveling it off. This prevents over-packing, which can lead to a dry, dense cookie.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in tandem to give your cookies a perfect lift, ensuring they are light and tender, not dense or flat. Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda, as old leavening agents can significantly impact the final texture of your baked goods. Fresh leavening is key for that ideal rise.
- Warm Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg): These are the stars of our “apple pie” flavor profile. Cinnamon offers a sweet, woody warmth, while nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy richness. Together, they create the comforting aroma and taste that define these cookies. Feel free to adjust the quantities slightly to suit your preference, or even add a pinch of allspice or ginger for extra complexity.
- Salt: Just a half teaspoon of salt is enough to balance the sweetness of the cookies and enhance all the other flavors, making them truly pop. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it’s crucial for a well-rounded taste.
- Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding moisture to the dough. It also contributes to the rich flavor and structure of the cookies. Ensure your egg is at room temperature for better incorporation with other ingredients.
- Butter or Coconut Oil (Melted but not hot): You have a choice here! Melted butter provides a classic rich flavor, while melted coconut oil offers a dairy-free alternative with a subtle tropical note. The key is to ensure it’s melted but has cooled slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients. Adding hot fat can scramble the egg or create an uneven texture.
- Maple Syrup: This is our natural sweetener, providing a lovely, nuanced sweetness that complements the apples and spices beautifully. Always use pure maple syrup, not imitation pancake syrup, as the latter contains artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup, which will compromise the taste and quality of your cookies.
- Finely Diced Apples (mixed with lemon juice): The heart of our apple pie cookies! Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture. Dicing them finely ensures they cook through evenly and integrate well into the dough, providing a burst of apple in every bite. Mixing the diced apples with a teaspoon of lemon juice is a crucial step to prevent them from browning before they go into the oven. Good apple choices include Fuji, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Gala, or even Granny Smith for a tarter note.
Gathering and preparing these ingredients meticulously will set you up for success in baking a batch of truly extraordinary apple pie cinnamon oatmeal cookies!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Baking these **healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies** is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly thick, chewy, and bursting with fall flavor:
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they enter the oven.
- Line Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the cookies from sticking, ensures easy removal, and makes for a much quicker cleanup. Avoid using just greased pans, as parchment paper provides a more reliable non-stick surface.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a spacious medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together all your dry ingredients: the quick-cooking oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these together well ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, guaranteeing a consistent rise and flavor in every cookie. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate, smaller bowl, gently whisk together the melted (but not hot) butter or coconut oil, maple syrup, and the large egg until they are well combined and smooth. Ensure the butter/coconut oil has cooled slightly to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Pour the liquid ingredients from the smaller bowl into the bowl containing your dry ingredients. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix until the ingredients are almost fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Stop when just a few streaks of flour remain.
5. Incorporate the Apples
- Now, gently fold in your finely diced apples (which should have been tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning). Continue mixing just until the apples are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. This ensures you get delightful apple chunks in every single bite.
6. Form and Shape the Cookies
- Using a ¼ cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop, portion out the batter and place each scoop onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between them for spreading.
- For a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing cookie, use a 3-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to gently shape each scooped portion into an even, round disc. This also helps to compress the dough slightly for a sturdier cookie.
- As a final touch, lightly sprinkle some extra nutmeg on top of each cookie before baking. This adds a beautiful aromatic finish and a hint of extra spice.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look soft, but not raw.
- Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period on the hot sheet allows them to set properly and prevents them from breaking.
And there you have it! A batch of warm, fragrant, and utterly delicious **Apple Pie Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies** ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm for an extra comforting treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Achieving the perfect **apple cinnamon oatmeal cookie** is all about attention to detail. Here are some expert tips and tricks to ensure your cookies are consistently delicious, chewy, and full of flavor every time you bake:
- Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Never scoop flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup. This compacts the flour, leading to an excess amount. Instead, fluff the flour with a spoon, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Too much flour will result in dry, dense, and tough cookies.
- Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Always line your baking trays with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan, ensures they cook evenly, and makes cleanup incredibly easy. Without it, your delicate cookies might tear when trying to remove them.
- Dice Apples Finely: For optimal texture and flavor distribution, make sure your apples are diced into very small, uniform pieces. This ensures they soften and bake through completely within the short baking time, preventing raw chunks and guaranteeing a delightful apple burst in every bite. Smaller pieces also integrate better into the dough.
- Utilize a Cookie Scoop or Measuring Cup: For perfectly uniform cookies, a cookie scoop or a ¼ cup measuring cup is invaluable. This method ensures each cookie is the same size, promoting even baking across the entire batch. Consistent size also means consistent texture and appearance.
- Master the Chewy Factor: If you prefer your oatmeal cookies on the chewier side, consider slightly under-baking them by 1-2 minutes. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Look for edges that are set and lightly golden, while the centers still appear very soft.
- Lemon Juice for Freshness: Don’t skip mixing your diced apples with a teaspoon of lemon juice. This simple step prevents the apples from browning and oxidizing while you prepare the rest of the dough, ensuring they look fresh and vibrant when baked into your cookies.
- Stick to Quick Oats: This recipe is specifically designed for quick-cooking oats. Their thinner, smaller flakes contribute significantly to the soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for. Steel-cut oats are too tough and will not yield the desired result, while rolled oats might create a slightly different chew.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies. A light hand will ensure your cookies remain tender and chewy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and butter (if using) are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more cohesive dough and a better overall cookie texture.
- Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to an airtight container. Storing warm cookies can trap moisture, making them soggy and prone to spoilage.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of the best **Apple Pie Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies** you’ve ever tasted!
Frequently Asked Questions About Oatmeal Cookies
Here are some common questions about baking oatmeal cookies, with helpful answers to ensure your **apple pie cinnamon oatmeal cookies** turn out perfectly every time:
Why do my oatmeal cookies taste dry?
Dry cookies are a common issue, and it usually boils down to two main culprits: too much flour or overmixing. When measuring flour, it’s easy to accidentally pack in too much, which absorbs excess moisture from the dough. Always fluff your flour before spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. Additionally, overmixing cookie dough can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dry texture. For best results, use a spatula or wooden spoon and mix just until the ingredients are combined.
What apples should I use for these cookies?
The beauty of these **healthy apple pie oatmeal cookies** is their versatility when it comes to apple varieties! You can truly use almost any type of apple you have on hand. For a sweeter cookie, consider Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Ambrosia. If you prefer a slightly tarter flavor that provides a nice contrast to the sweet spices, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also create a wonderful depth of flavor. Just ensure they are peeled and finely diced.
How do I store these cookies?
To keep your **apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies** fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your quick-cooking oats are certified gluten-free, as oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that handle wheat. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
While quick-cooking oats are recommended for this recipe to achieve the ideal chewy texture, you can use old-fashioned rolled oats in a pinch. However, the texture of the cookies will be slightly different—they might be a bit chewier and less uniform. If using rolled oats, you might want to pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down slightly, closer to the consistency of quick oats, but avoid turning them into flour.
More Delicious Cookies To Enjoy
If you loved these **Apple Pie Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies**, then you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful cookie recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from simple everyday snacks to festive holiday treats:
- Crispy Almond Oatmeal Cookies: A fantastic option for those who enjoy a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Strawberry Jam Linzer Cookies: Elegant and delicious, these shortbread cookies filled with sweet jam are perfect for gifting or special occasions.
- Danish Butter Cookies Recipe: A classic, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies: A vibrant combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange in a tender shortbread.
- Gluten Free No-Bake Cookies: For a quick and easy treat that requires no oven, these are a perfect choice, and they’re gluten-free!
I genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring all the recipes I share with you, especially this delightful **Healthy Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies recipe**. Please give it a try, experience its wonderful flavors, and don’t forget to rate it and share your feedback. Your enjoyment and comments mean the world to me!
If you try this recipe and find it as delicious as I do, please leave a star rating and a comment below to let me know! Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these recipes. Use my hashtag to share your delicious recreations with me on INSTAGRAM so I can see your wonderful baking! Also, stay connected with Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, kitchen tips, and new recipes. Happy baking!
Print Recipe
Apple Pie Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsps cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg, plus more for sprinkling on top
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup butter or coconut oil, melted but not hot
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup finely diced apples mixed with 1tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl mix together oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl whisk together coconut oil, maple syrup, and egg.
- Pour in liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until almost all incorporated.
- Add in apples. Mix to incorporate.
- Scoop ¼ cup of the batter and place it on the baking sheet. With the help of a 3” round cookie cutter shape each cookie to have an even size. Sprinkle with some extra nutmeg on top.
- Bake 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool on the baking sheet.
Notes
- Make sure to not overpack the flour when scooping it from the bag. Too much flour will lead to dry cookies.
- Make sure to line your baking tray with parchment paper, so your cookies won’t tear and it’s easier cleanup!
- Make sure to cut the apples up into very small pieces so they bake through and get bits of apple chunks in each and every bite.
- Use a cookie scoop or a measuring cup for the fastest and easily method for scooping out the dough evenly.
- For slightly chewier oatmeal cookies, you can under bake them slightly.
- The lemon juice will keep the diced apples from browning before they bake.
- Use only quick oats because they offer the best texture needed for this recipe.