Name: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (177g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups (120g) rolled old fashioned oats; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (160g) packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (120g) finely chopped peeled Granny Smith apple (1/4-inch cubes or smaller); 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

If you have a soft spot for cozy flavors and a cookie that feels like a warm hug, then these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are going to be your new best friend. Bursting with tender oats, just the right hint of cinnamon, and juicy bits of fresh apple, each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crisp autumn afternoon or simply craving a wholesome treat, these cookies bring comfort and joy straight to your kitchen.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward these delightful Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. Each component plays an essential role — from the chewy oats that give texture, to the cinnamon which adds warmth, and the fresh apples that keep the cookies moist and vibrant.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, ensuring your cookies hold their shape perfectly.
Rolled old-fashioned oats: These provide chewy texture and wholesome flavor, preferable over quick oats for a heartier bite.
Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of this spice infuses the cookies with that classic Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies aroma you’ll love.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender, cakey interior.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to every cookie.
Light brown sugar: Brings subtle molasses notes and a deep sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients and lends a nice chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a sweet, aromatic touch.
Finely chopped peeled Granny Smith apple: Adds moisture, freshness, and a slight tartness to these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies.
Fresh lemon juice: Prevents the apple pieces from browning and enhances their bright flavor.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep helps you bake with ease and keeps your cookies from spreading out too much.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients ahead of time makes sure every cookie has that perfect blend of flavors and texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a subtle caramel undertone.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until everything is fully combined. This not only incorporates moisture but also brings depth to the cookie’s flavor, setting the stage for the fresh apple pieces.

Step 5: Toss Apples with Lemon Juice

In a small bowl, gently toss the finely chopped Granny Smith apple pieces with fresh lemon juice. This brightens the apple flavor and keeps the pieces from turning brown as you finish preparing the dough.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix, as you want to keep the cookies tender. Then fold in the lemon-kissed apple pieces gently so they’re evenly distributed without bruising.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to encourage even baking and a pleasant shape.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 14 to 15 minutes or until the edges are set and golden, while the centers remain soft and tender. Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up just right without losing moisture.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie right after baking. Toasted chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans folded into the dough or sprinkled on top can add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.

Side Dishes

These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are delightful alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, black coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Complement their cozy flavors with something warm or creamy to enhance the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with a spread of cream cheese frosting or cinnamon buttercream for a mouthwatering twist. They also make charming gifts when packaged in a pretty tin or tied with rustic twine and a sprig of dried cinnamon sticks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layering them between parchment paper can prevent sticking and help maintain their texture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy these delicious treats anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy that freshly baked warmth, simply reheat a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm a few in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens the cookies and revives their delightful aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different variety of apple for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, but you can experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter or juicier bite. Just be sure to chop the apples finely so they bake evenly.

Are these cookies healthy?

While these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies contain wholesome oats and fresh apples, they’re still a treat with butter and sugar. They offer a more nutritious alternative compared to many store-bought cookies but are best enjoyed in moderation.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough can even improve texture and prevent excessive spreading during baking.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor and moisture brown sugar provides.

How do I prevent my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies from spreading too much?

If your cookies spread too thin, make sure your butter is not too soft or melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the full rundown on these wonderfully comforting Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, it’s time to get in the kitchen and bake up a batch. With every chewy bite infused with cozy cinnamon and fresh apple sweetness, these cookies are sure to become a staple for your cozy baking repertoire. Go ahead and treat yourself — you deserve it!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful combination of soft oats, sweet brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and juicy Granny Smith apples. Perfectly spiced and textured, these cookies offer a cozy treat that balances sweetness with a fresh apple zing, ideal for fall or any time you crave a comforting baked good.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Cookies, Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 1/4 cups (177g) all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (120g) rolled old fashioned oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (160g) packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit and Add-ins

1 cup (120g) finely chopped peeled Granny Smith apple (1/4-inch cubes or smaller)
2 tsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps achieve a tender cookie texture.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated, creating a smooth wet mixture.
Prepare Apples: In a small bowl, toss the finely chopped peeled Granny Smith apples with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their tart flavor.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour and oat mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the lemon-coated apple pieces into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Form Cookie Dough Balls: Use a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or a spatula.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden while the centers stay soft and chewy.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps develop flavor.

Notes

Use only rolled old-fashioned oats for best texture—avoid quick oats which alter the chewiness.
Dice apples very small (about 1/4-inch or smaller) to ensure even baking and uniform texture.
Don’t skip the lemon juice—it not only enhances apple flavor but also prevents browning, keeping the cookies visually appealing.
If your cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Use room-temperature butter for better creaming results, which improves cookie texture and volume.
These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.