Name: Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups (175 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (120 grams) chopped apple

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you’ve got to try this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies are packed with soft, chewy oats and tender apple pieces, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to snack for fall or anytime you crave something comforting with a little twist of fruit. Stick with me—I’m excited to share every tip and trick so your cookies come out fantastic every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Spiced: The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg gives these cookies that ideal fall flavor without overpowering the apples.
Soft & Chewy Texture: Thanks to the oats and juicy apple pieces, you’ll get every bite packed with chewy goodness and subtle sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge, so baking these is hassle-free.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too—especially when you serve them warm.

The image shows a close-up of a group of oatmeal cookies with small pieces of apple mixed in. Each cookie is round and thick, with a rough texture from the oats and visible chunks of pale yellow apple spread throughout. The cookies are piled together in a round baking dish lined with brown parchment paper. The background is a white marbled texture with a striped cloth lightly showing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Oatmeal Cookies, easy apple oatmeal cookies, fall cookies with apples, homemade apple oatmeal treats, soft chewy apple cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe works together to build layers of flavor and texture. Make sure to use fresh spices and a crisp, juicy apple for the best results. I always recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for that chewy, hearty feel.

Flat lay of chopped fresh apples with their red and green skin, a neat pile of old-fashioned rolled oats, a small mound of light brown sugar, a stick of unsalted butter softened with a smooth texture, a scattering of ground cinnamon and nutmeg powders creating warm earthy tones, a single fresh egg with a clean shell, and a small glass bottle of vanilla extract, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Oatmeal Cookies, easy apple oatmeal cookies, fall cookies with apples, homemade apple oatmeal treats, soft chewy apple cookies

All-purpose flour: Spoon and level it into your measuring cup so you don’t add too much—too much flour can make cookies dry!
Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground is best if you have it; it really brightens up the flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Just a small amount adds warm depth—it’s a little magic dust for these cookies.
Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just right without getting cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides that chewy texture you’re dreaming of—don’t swap in instant oats as they cook too quickly and become mushy.
Unsalted butter: Softened, not melted, so it blends perfectly with the sugars and keeps the texture tender.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor which pairs so well with apple.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s richness for a nicely rounded sweetness.
Large egg: At room temperature so it mixes in smoothly—this helps hold everything together.
Pure vanilla extract: For that sweet, comforting aroma in every bite.
Chopped apple: Choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so the pieces hold their shape and add bursts of fresh flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe my own by mixing up add-ins or switching spices based on what I have or the season. Feel free to experiment—this dough is forgiving and delicious with a few tweaks!

Add nuts: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch and a slightly nutty flavor—it’s perfect when you need a bit more texture.
Use dried fruit: Swap some or all of the fresh apple for diced dried apples or raisins for a chewier option that works great if you don’t want the moisture fresh apples add.
Make it vegan: Try using vegan butter and a flax egg instead of a regular egg—I’ve done this and the cookies still turn out chewy and flavorful.
Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the mix for an extra cozy vibe that reminds me of apple pie spices.

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and dry ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This is crucial because you want it fully heated when your cookies go in. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a big bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. Then stir in the rolled oats. This step distributes all those spices evenly, so every cookie bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars

Grab your mixer—whether it’s handheld or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment—and beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugar for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the mixture light and fluffy because that creates the perfect base for soft cookies. Don’t rush here; I’ve seen cookies turn out denser when this step is skipped. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, stopping occasionally to scrape down the bowl so everything combines smoothly.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry, fold in apples

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until you don’t see any streaks of flour—overmixing can make cookies tough. The magic moment here is folding in the chopped apples gently. You want them well-distributed but not bruised, so fold carefully. The little apple bits are what make these cookies stand out—they add moisture and a burst of fresh flavor in each bite.

Step 4: Scoop and bake

Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop (or two spoons), drop balls of dough onto your lined baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart because they’ll spread a bit but not too much. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for tops that are set but still soft-looking—don’t wait until they’re browned all over. This ensures they stay soft, not crispy. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling—it helps them firm up enough to handle without breaking.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use softened butter and an egg at room temp for the best mixing and texture.
Choosing Apples: I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweet cookie dough.
Don’t Overmix: Combining ingredients just until mixed keeps your cookies tender and chewy, not tough.
Cooling Is Key: Let the cookies sit a bit on the baking sheet before transferring to cool completely to avoid crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

A stack of six brown oatmeal cookies with visible small chunks of yellow apple pieces sits in the center of a metal pan lined with parchment paper. The cookies have a rough texture with oats and apple chunks spread throughout. One cookie lies broken on a white marbled surface in the front left of the image. In the blurred background, there is a green apple and a peach on the right side, and an out-of-focus glass bottle of milk on the left side. The background wall has white subway tiles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Oatmeal Cookies, easy apple oatmeal cookies, fall cookies with apples, homemade apple oatmeal treats, soft chewy apple cookies

Garnishes

I usually serve these cookies just as they are, maybe with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty touch on special occasions. Sometimes I add a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream on the side—it feels like a mini dessert upgrade and my guests always love it.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee. On cool afternoons, I like to serve them alongside a warm spiced apple cider or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. It’s an easy way to make the presentation festive and inviting. You could also layer them in a mason jar as a gift or party favor—everyone appreciates a homemade treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for about 3 to 4 days. If I’m serving them later in the week, I add a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist—trust me, it works wonders!

Freezing

If I want to freeze them, I first freeze individual cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a resealable bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked cookies, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop one or two cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They come out warm and soft, almost like freshly baked. For a crispier edge, a quick reheating in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes works beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance to the sweetness, you can use sweeter apples if you prefer. Just remember that juicier apples might make the dough wetter, so keep an eye on baking time.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help with texture. Also, double-check your oats are labeled gluten-free since oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated.
Why are my apple oatmeal cookies too dry?

Dryness usually happens if you overbake or use too much flour. Be sure to spoon and level your flour correctly and remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges set. Also, using fresh, juicy apples adds moisture that helps keep the cookies tender.
Can I substitute the butter with oil or shortening?

I’ve found butter gives these cookies the best flavor and texture. Oils can make them greasier or flatter, and shortening can change the mouthfeel. If you’re dairy-free, using a good quality vegan butter substitute is your best bet for similar results.
How do I store leftover cookie dough?

You can refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready, bring it back to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls as mentioned earlier to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe turns out every time—soft, chewy, and bursting with cozy apple flavor. When I first made these, I had no idea they’d become such a staple in my kitchen, especially during the cooler months. But now, they’re the cookie I make when I want to impress guests or just treat my family to something homemade and a little special. Give this recipe a try like you’re sharing it with a friend—it’s that good, and I know you’re going to enjoy these cookies just as much as I do.