These cozy, soft-baked cookies combine warm spices, hearty oats, and fresh chopped apples for the ultimate fall-inspired treat. Perfectly chewy with just the right amount of sweetness and texture, they’re a delicious way to enjoy apples in a homemade dessert or snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Made with Fresh Apples: Bursting with real fruit in every bite.
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Warm and Spiced: Cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Perfectly Chewy: Soft centers with crisp edges for the ideal texture.
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Kid-Friendly and Portable: Great for school snacks or road trips.
Ingredients Breakdown
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1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.
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1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warm, classic spice flavor.
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg – Deepens the spiced profile.
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½ tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
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¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
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1¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats – Brings chewy texture and heartiness.
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and helps with creaminess.
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed – Contributes moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
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¼ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and a touch of crispness on the edges.
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1 egg – Binds the dough and helps with structure.
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
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1 cup chopped apple – Fresh, juicy chunks that add moisture, texture, and a natural fruity sweetness.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use Firm Apples: Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold up well during baking.
- Chop Apples Evenly: Small, uniform pieces bake more evenly and prevent soggy spots.
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Refrigerate Dough (Optional): Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies that spread less.
Variations and Customizations:
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Add-Ins: Mix in ½ cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
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No Butter Option: Substitute with coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
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Apple Pie Spice: Swap out cinnamon and nutmeg for 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice for a flavor twist.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Beverages:
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Hot apple cider
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Chai tea latte
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Cold milk or vanilla almond milk
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Serving Ideas:
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Drizzle with caramel sauce
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Sandwich with cream cheese frosting
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Pack in school lunches with string cheese or yogurt
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Storage Instructions:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
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Make-Ahead Dough: Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
Popular Questions:
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. For the best results, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats.
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Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Leave the peel on for extra fiber or peel for a smoother texture.
How do I keep cookies from becoming soggy?
Let them cool completely before storing, and store with a piece of paper towel to absorb moisture.
PrintFresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Warmly spiced, chewy cookies packed with fresh apples and hearty oats—a cozy, wholesome treat that tastes like autumn in every bite!
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Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup packed light brown sugar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 cup chopped apple (peeled if desired)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Cinnamon
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Nutmeg
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Rolled oats
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
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In another bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (1–2 minutes).
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Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
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Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
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Gently fold in chopped apple.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
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Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving room to spread.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are just set and edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5–10 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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Use room temperature butter and egg for better mixing and texture.
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Double the batch and freeze half for easy future treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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