Apple and Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon – A Perfect Autumn Recipe for Breakfast or Dessert
There’s something about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven that instantly feels like fall. If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that’s simple to make yet tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen, these Old Fashioned Oatmeal Apple Cookies are the perfect treat. Soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices, they’re everything you want in a fall cookie recipe.
Whether you’re baking for an after-school snack, a church potluck, or just because you love cookies (who doesn’t?), this recipe is perfect!
Whether you enjoy them as a cozy fall dessert, an after-school snack, or even a grab-and-go breakfast, these Oatmeal Apple Cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself baking again and again. They’re especially great for using up a couple of apples that might be past their prime or those extra Granny Smiths from apple picking.
Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true oatmeal cookie recipe with apples—soft, chewy, and full of warm cinnamon spice. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and practically foolproof. I’ll also share my best baking tips, answer common questions about apple cookies, and give you storage and serving ideas so you can enjoy them fresh every time.
Cookies are one of my favorite things to bake when the weather turns cool. That and quick breads! The very first fall recipe I ever perfected was my classic Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread, which quickly became a family favorite. Since then, I’ve experimented with all kinds of seasonal recipes. Right now, because it’s apple season, these Oatmeal Apple Cookies have been on repeat in my kitchen. If you’re looking for other cozy recipes to try, you’ll love my Zucchini Bread Recipe, a true old-fashioned favorite, or my Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, which make the perfect weekend breakfast. And for something sweet but simple, my Blueberry Tea Cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Scroll down for the recipe card, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions (with photos).
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Apple and Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup apples, peeled and finely diced (tart apples like Granny Smith work best)
- Optional Mix-Ins (¾ cup each): raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Bring it all together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in apples & mix-ins: Gently stir in diced apples, plus raisins or walnuts if using.
- Scoop & bake: Drop by rounded tablespoons (or use a medium cookie scoop) onto prepared sheets. Leave 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers look soft.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 24 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 129Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 8mgSodium 84mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 2gSugar 16gProtein 2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavor – Apples, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg make the coziest flavor combination.
- Chewy Texture – Thanks to oats and brown sugar, these cookies stay soft and chewy for days.
- Simple Ingredients – You probably already have everything in your pantry.
- Customizable – Add raisins, walnuts, or even a caramel drizzle for fun variations.
- Versatile – Great for dessert, an after-school snack, or even as a quick breakfast treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes these cookies so good:
- Butter – Creates richness and a chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar – Keeps the cookies soft and adds a caramel-like sweetness.
- Egg & Milk – Binds everything together and helps with structure.
- Vanilla Extract – A must for flavor.
- Quick-Cooking Oats – Give the cookies chewiness and structure.
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm fall spices that make the apples shine.
- Baking Soda & Salt – For rise and flavor balance.
- Apples – Fresh, peeled, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best).
- Optional Add-Ins – Raisins, walnuts, or dried cranberries for extra texture and taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Fold in Apples & Add-Ins
Stir in the diced apples and any optional mix-ins like raisins or walnuts.
7. Chill (Optional)
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies stay thick and chewy.
8. Scoop Dough
Drop rounded tablespoons (or use a medium cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are soft.
10. Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Choose the Right Apples – Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best in baking.
- Mix Up the Flavors – Try adding a handful of dried cranberries, or drizzle baked cookies with caramel glaze for a “caramel apple” cookie.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Cookies – Drizzle cooled cookies with homemade caramel sauce.
- Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies – Add ¼ tsp ground cloves and allspice for deeper spice flavor.
How to Store and Freeze
- Room Temperature – Store cookies in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps cookies fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer – Place cooled cookies in a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ About Oatmeal Apple Cookies
1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes! Old-fashioned oats will make the cookies slightly chewier and heartier, but they still bake up deliciously.
2. What apples work best in oatmeal cookies?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are best. Softer apples may get mushy while baking.
3. Do I have to peel the apples?
It’s recommended, as the peel can be tough in cookies. But if you like the texture, you can leave them on.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
6. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture so the cookies stay chewy.
Enjoy and Leave a Comment!
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Apple Cookies are the ultimate fall baking recipe. They’re easy enough for a weeknight treat but delicious enough to bring to a holiday gathering. With their warm spices, sweet apples, and chewy oats, these cookies make the perfect autumn dessert or breakfast!
