If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome treat that tastes like fall in every bite, these Chewy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies are it. With tender chunks of fresh apple, hearty oats, and a warm blend of cinnamon, these cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and fragrant. Each bite brings a nostalgic warmth, reminding you of grandma’s kitchen or that first crisp autumn day.
Perfect for an after-school snack, a weekend baking project with kids, or a sweet finish to a holiday dinner, these cookies are crowd-pleasers for all ages. You can keep them classic or mix in your favorite extras like walnuts or raisins. The balance of sweetness and spice, along with the soft texture from the oats and apples, makes this cookie a standout. Serve them with a glass of milk or a mug of warm cider for the ultimate seasonal indulgence.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3 cups old-fashioned oats
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1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
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1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
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1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the oats, apples, and, if using, walnuts and raisins.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Chewy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. It’s warm, inviting, and a sure sign that something delicious is on its way. These Chewy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a wonderful example of how a simple, wholesome ingredient like fresh apples can completely transform a classic cookie into something unforgettable.
In this recipe, sweet and tart apples are diced into small pieces and folded into a hearty oatmeal cookie base that’s packed with flavor and chew. The result is a cookie that’s soft in the middle, slightly crisp around the edges, and full of comforting autumn spices. Whether you’re baking them to celebrate apple season, prepping for a cozy movie night, or filling your cookie jar with something new and satisfying, this is the kind of recipe that feels both familiar and elevated.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
1. A Twist on the Classic Oatmeal Cookie:
While traditional oatmeal cookies are already a fan favorite, the addition of fresh apple chunks gives these cookies an extra level of moisture, texture, and natural sweetness. It’s like combining the best parts of an apple crisp and a cookie: chewy, spiced, and totally irresistible.
2. Easy to Make, Hard to Resist:
The recipe comes together in one bowl and doesn’t require any chilling time. You’ll have warm, fragrant cookies ready in less than 30 minutes. They’re perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a reliable go-to cookie recipe that’s not overly complicated.
3. A Great Use for Seasonal Produce:
Apples are abundant in fall, and this recipe is an ideal way to use up extras from apple picking or that overflowing fruit basket. Choose sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best flavor, or go with tart Granny Smith if you prefer a little zing in your bite.
4. Kid-Friendly and Lunchbox Approved:
Since these cookies are made with oats and apples, they feel a little more wholesome than your average treat. Kids love them, and they make a great after-school snack or lunchbox surprise. They’re soft enough for little ones but flavorful enough for adults to enjoy, too.
Key Ingredients That Make These Cookies Special
Old-Fashioned Oats:
These give the cookies their classic chew and heartiness. Unlike quick oats, old-fashioned oats hold their shape better during baking and contribute to a satisfying texture.
Fresh Apples:
Finely diced apples add natural sweetness and moisture. The apples soften slightly during baking but still retain a light bite, making every bite more exciting.
Cinnamon:
This warm spice pairs beautifully with the apples and brings out their natural flavor. A generous dose of cinnamon makes the cookies taste like fall.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar adds depth and a bit of molasses-like flavor that complements the oats and apples. It also helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
Walnuts or Raisins (Optional):
These add a bit of crunch and texture contrast. If you love variety in your cookies, adding one (or both!) can take this recipe to the next level.
Variations and Tips
These cookies are incredibly versatile, and it’s easy to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
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Make them gluten-free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
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Add a drizzle: Mix up a quick glaze with powdered sugar and apple cider or milk and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a bakery-style finish.
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Make them vegan: Use a plant-based butter and egg replacement like flax eggs to keep the cookies vegan while retaining a soft texture.
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Add spice: Consider adding nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for an extra layer of fall flavor.
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Use other fruits: If you’re not in the mood for apples, try using chopped pears or dried cranberries instead for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies fresh and warm out of the oven with a glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of tea or cider. They’re equally good at room temperature and store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can even freeze them for longer storage, just warm them up in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before enjoying for that just-baked feel.
They’re perfect for:
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Fall festivals and bake sales
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Holiday cookie exchanges
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Back-to-school treats
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Weekend baking with kids
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Gifting to neighbors or coworkers
These cookies also make an excellent addition to a dessert board. Pair them with mini apple pies, cinnamon sugar pretzels, and white chocolate dipped pretzels for a gorgeous and delicious fall-themed spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft.
Freezing:
To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead Dough:
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before scooping and baking.
Healthier Option Ideas
While these cookies are undeniably a treat, you can make a few swaps to lighten them up a bit without sacrificing taste:
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Reduce sugar: Cut down the sugar by 1/4 cup without drastically altering the outcome.
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Add whole wheat flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for more fiber.
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Skip mix-ins: Leave out nuts and raisins if you prefer fewer calories or a simpler cookie.
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Use coconut oil: For a slightly healthier fat alternative, use melted coconut oil in place of butter.
Baking With Kids
One of the best things about this recipe is how kid-friendly it is. From mixing to measuring to scooping the dough, this is a great recipe to make as a family. Kids especially enjoy helping to peel and dice the apples and scoop the cookie dough onto the trays. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking will have everyone in the house eagerly waiting by the oven.
Conclusion
These Chewy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a must-have in your baking rotation, especially as the weather begins to cool and apples come into season. With a soft, chewy texture and a perfectly balanced flavor that’s both nostalgic and exciting, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home. They’re comforting, easy to make, and incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re baking a quick batch for family or preparing a dessert spread for a fall party, these cookies deliver on flavor and texture every time. Add this recipe to your seasonal lineup and enjoy the cozy, delicious vibes it brings to your kitchen all year long.