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 on the hunt for a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s both comforting and a little bit unique, then you’re going to adore this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out thick and soft with that perfect hint of warm spices and fresh apple chunks in every bite. When I first tried baking them, I knew they’d become a go-to whenever I wanted a sweet snack that’s just a notch above your typical oatmeal cookie. Keep reading, and you’ll find all the tips and tricks to make these your new favorite homemade indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The warm cinnamon and nutmeg pair beautifully with fresh apples for cozy autumn vibes.
Thick & Soft Texture: Unlike many oatmeal cookies, these stay soft and tender, which my family goes crazy for.
Simple Ingredient List: You probably have everything in your pantry already, making it super convenient.
Easy to Personalize: There are plenty of ways to tweak this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe to your taste and diet needs.

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, fall-inspired cookies, soft apple oatmeal cookies, homemade apple cookies, cozy autumn treats

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe come together in a way that brings both texture and flavor brilliantly. I like to choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet dough. And don’t skip the old-fashioned oats — they lend a hearty chewiness that makes each cookie extra satisfying.

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, fall-inspired cookies, soft apple oatmeal cookies, homemade apple cookies, cozy autumn treats

All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the cookies. I always spoon and level it for accuracy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic, warming spice that makes everything feel like fall.
Ground nutmeg: Brings subtle depth and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them soft but fluffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives the signature chewy oatmeal texture — not the quick oats here.
Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing and richness.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and that hint of molasses flavor I adore.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges.
Large egg: Helps bind everything and adds tenderness.
Pure vanilla extract: A must for that classic cookie background flavor.
Chopped apple: Fresh is best for texture; peel or leave skin on based on preference but chop finely so every bite gets apple goodness.

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

One of the things I appreciate about this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve played around with a few variations depending on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for, and it never disappoints.

Gluten-free version: I swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and the texture remains just as good.
Add nuts: Sometimes I add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch — my husband loves that little surprise.
Swap the apples: If you want a sweeter cookie, try Fuji or Honeycrisp apples instead of Granny Smith.
Mix in raisins or dried cranberries: They add a nice chew and fruity pop that’s lovely with the spices.

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Getting Everything Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats — this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies from sticking. While the oven warms, prep your ingredients so everything is within reach.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly combined. Then, stir in the rolled oats. This step makes sure the baking soda and spices are well distributed and prevents clumps in your cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed — you want a smooth, creamy mixture with no uneven lumps. This step is key to the cookie’s lovely soft texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The batter might look a little loose here but hang tight — adding the dry ingredients next pulls everything together.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Overmixing flour can toughen cookies, so I usually stop as soon as I see no pockets of flour. Then, fold in the freshly chopped apples with a spatula — gently but thoroughly so those juicy chunks spread evenly through the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop (or a rounded spoon) to drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart since they spread just a bit. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes — you’ll know they’re done when the tops are set but still soft to the touch. I find 13 minutes works perfectly in my oven.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes first to firm up — this step is often skipped but trust me, it helps them finish baking without getting crumbly. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can’t resist, they’re still pretty irresistible warm!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Softened Butter is Key: I’ve learned the hard way that cold butter won’t cream properly and changes cookie texture.
Chip-Size Apple Pieces: Keeping apple chunks small ensures every bite is balanced and they bake evenly without sogginess.
Don’t Overbake: Cookies can go from soft to dry quickly. Pull them when tops look set but still slightly soft.
Parsimonious Mixing: Mixing just until blended keeps these cookies tender, so resist the urge to overwork the dough.

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, fall-inspired cookies, soft apple oatmeal cookies, homemade apple cookies, cozy autumn treats

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar when serving — it adds just a touch of extra sweetness and looks pretty for guests. Sometimes, I spread a little cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top for a decadent treat, especially during holidays.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of chai tea or a glass of cold milk for that classic cookie moment. I’ve also served them alongside warm apple cider for a perfect fall afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the cookies on a wooden board with fresh apple slices and chopped nuts. It turns a simple cookie into a gorgeous fall-themed platter. Adding mini jars of caramel sauce nearby always earns extra cheers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Apple Oatmeal Cookies keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. I usually add a slice of apple or a piece of bread inside the container to keep them moist and soft — it really works!

Freezing

I often freeze the cookie dough scooped onto trays and once frozen, transfer the balls into zip-top bags. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime, straight from the freezer — just add a couple extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to warm them thoroughly and regain a bit of softness. Microwaving works too but can sometimes make them a bit too mushy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice contrast to the sweetness, you can use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a milder apple flavor. Just keep the pieces chopped small so they bake evenly.
How do I keep these cookies soft and chewy?

The key is not to overbake them and to use both brown sugar and butter, which add moisture. Also, letting them cool on the baking sheet before moving helps them set without drying out.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can make substitutions like using a vegan butter alternative and a flax egg in place of the regular egg. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it still tastes delicious!
How should I store leftover Apple Oatmeal Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or apple to help maintain moisture for up to 4 days — this keeps the cookies wonderfully soft.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines that nostalgic cookies-and-milk feeling with a fresh autumn twist that’s never boring. It’s one of those recipes where you feel proud serving something homemade that everyone actually raves over. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become your seasonal staple too — perfect for sharing with friends, packing in lunches, or sneaking when no one’s watching.