If you’re craving a wholesome treat that feels like a warm hug, then this Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, bursting with natural sweetness from fresh apples and enhanced with just the right hint of cinnamon. They’re incredibly simple to make but deliver a rich flavor and welcoming aroma that feels like autumn in every bite. Whether you want a quick snack or a cozy dessert, these cookies are a delightful way to bring a little comfort and cheer to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and wholesome goodness of these cookies. From the hearty rolled oats that provide chew to the natural sweetness of apples and maple syrup, every component shines through in this recipe.
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats: Gives the cookies a delightful chewiness and a wholesome texture that feels hearty.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and binder, keeping the cookies moist without added sugar.
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter: Adds depth and a subtle nutty richness that perfectly complements the apple.
- 2 tbsp maple syrup: Provides a gentle sweetness with a warm, caramel-like note that enhances the cinnamon.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that classic spicy aroma and taste that pairs so well with apples.
- 1 medium apple, grated: Freshly grated apple adds juicy bursts of flavor, texture, and keeps the cookies delightfully soft.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). This ensures that once your dough is ready, the oven is perfectly hot for even baking. Line a baking pan with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and will come out easily with just a gentle lift.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, and natural peanut butter until you get a smooth and creamy mix. This combination is the magic binder that brings moisture and flavor, replacing traditional fats and sugars for a healthier touch.
Step 3: Add Oats and Cinnamon
Stir in the rolled oats and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined. The oats will absorb the moisture, and the cinnamon adds that warm spice note that makes these cookies so irresistibly comforting.
Step 4: Incorporate the Grated Apple
Grate a fresh medium apple using the largest holes on your box grater, or finely chop if you prefer small bites of apple. Fold the grated apple gently into the oat mixture. This step ensures each cookie has juicy apple pieces to keep things moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten
Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them on your prepared baking pan. Press each one down firmly to flatten because these cookies won’t spread or change shape much as they bake. This is key for getting just the right thickness and texture.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until they look set and slightly golden around the edges. After baking, give them time to cool completely on the pan. This allows the cookies to firm up and hold their shape perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top after baking for a sweet crust that adds sparkle and crunch. A light drizzle of melted peanut butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side can also boost flavor while keeping things simple and cozy.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks like chai tea, cinnamon-spiced coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them for breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit or a smear of cream cheese can make a lovely complement to the apples and oats.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a fun dessert by sandwiching them with a layer of vanilla or caramel-flavored yogurt in between. Or crumble them over bowls of vanilla ice cream or smoothie bowls for an extra burst of texture and flavor that feels like fall on your spoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout a busy week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature without losing that soft, tender texture.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat them gently in a toaster oven. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked feeling and releases the lovely cinnamon-apple aroma once again.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work wonderfully and will slightly change the flavor profile in a delicious way. Just use the same quantity to keep the right consistency.
Do I need to peel the apple before grating?
It’s not necessary to peel the apple unless you prefer your cookies with a smoother texture. The peel adds color, nutrients, and a bit of extra chew, which many find enjoyable.
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats?
Old fashioned rolled oats are best here because they hold their texture better. Quick oats tend to absorb too much moisture and can make the cookies softer or mushier, but if that’s your preference, feel free to try!
How do I make these cookies vegan?
This recipe is already vegan since there are no eggs or dairy involved. Just be sure to use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener, and your cookies will be perfectly vegan-friendly.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries mix in nicely and add texture and flavor complexity. Just toss them in with the oats before folding in the apples to distribute evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly comforting about the Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that makes you want to bake them again and again. They’re simple, wholesome, and bursting with natural flavors that delight the senses. I hope you try this recipe soon and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your kitchen as much as I do!
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Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies combine wholesome rolled oats with fresh grated apple, natural peanut butter, and warm cinnamon for a nutritious and delicious treat. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and applesauce, these cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 medium apple, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, and natural peanut butter until you get a smooth and homogenous mixture.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats and ground cinnamon into the wet mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- Prepare the apple: Grate the medium apple using the largest holes of a box grater, or you may alternatively chop it into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Combine apple with dough: Fold the grated apple gently into the cookie mixture until evenly mixed.
- Shape the cookies: Using a spoon, scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press each cookie down to flatten and shape them because they will not spread during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies set and edges are lightly golden. Remove and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to flatten and shape the cookies before baking as they won’t spread significantly in the oven.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter if desired.
- For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts or raisins.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Grating the apple distributes moisture evenly and helps keep the cookies soft.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
