If you adore the cozy, nostalgic flavors of apple pie but want a fun, handheld twist, this Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new go-to treat. These cookies capture that warm cinnamon-spiced apple essence, woven into chewy oats and tender whole wheat flour, making them as wholesome as they are delicious. From the first bite, you’ll get the satisfying sweetness of fresh apples and the comforting hint of vanilla that feels like a hug from your favorite dessert. Whether you’re snacking after school, needing a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or looking to impress guests with something homemade, these cookies deliver all the charm and flavor of classic apple pie in a perfectly portable cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet carefully chosen, the ingredients in this recipe combine to create a cookie bursting with flavor and texture. Each plays its own role, from the oats offering heartiness and chew, to the cinnamon bringing that unmistakable apple pie warmth.
- Instant oats (1 cup / 100g): Provides the perfect chewy base and whole grain goodness to the cookies.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free flour (¾ cup / 90g): Adds structure and a nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Helps the cookies rise just right for a tender texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ tsp): The star spice that instantly reminds you of apple pie.
- Salt (⅛ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Coconut oil or unsalted butter (2 tbsp / 28g): Adds moisture and richness to keep cookies soft and flavorful.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lifts the flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
- Agave (½ cup / 120mL): A gentle sweetener that keeps these cookies moist and satisfyingly sweet without overpowering.
- Finely diced red apple (1 cup / 125g): Fresh apples add bursts of juicy sweetness, making every bite vibrant and fruity.
How to Make Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven & Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix forms the flavorful base and helps evenly distribute the spices throughout your cookies.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil or butter with the egg, vanilla extract, and agave until everything is well incorporated. This wet mixture will bring all the ingredients together with richness and natural sweetness that keep the cookies tender and moist.
Step 3: Mix Dough & Add Apples
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined—over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it light. Then fold in the finely diced red apple pieces carefully, ensuring each cookie will have delicious bursts of fresh apple in every bite.
Step 4: Scoop & Bake
Using a tablespoon or a 1.5-inch cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
Step 5: Cool Cookies
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring carefully to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they retain their perfect texture without breaking.
Step 6: Prepare & Apply Optional Vanilla Glaze
Once your cookies are completely cooled, prepare a simple vanilla glaze by whisking sifted powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of your preferred milk and half a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Drizzle this sweet topping artfully over each cookie and allow it to set for 15 to 20 minutes. This optional step adds a beautiful shine and extra layer of delightful sweetness.
How to Serve Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a dash of extra cinnamon or a pinch of finely chopped nuts on top of the glazed cookies makes them look as irresistible as they taste. You can even add a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for that bakery-style finish that always gets “oohs” and “aahs.”
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a robust coffee to complement the cinnamon and apple flavors. For an indulgent dessert, serve alongside vanilla ice cream to turn these cookies into a tempting treat that feels just like apple pie a la mode.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your batch of Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies into a charming gift by stacking them in a decorative box tied with a rustic ribbon. Or, create a cookie platter with slices of fresh apples, small bowls of caramel sauce, and nuts for a fun DIY dessert board that’s perfect for sharing at get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This preserves their soft texture and delicious flavor, making them perfect for grabbing as a quick snack anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies for later, they freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm frozen or day-old cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that just-baked softness. Alternatively, a few minutes in a low oven (300°F or 150°C) will freshen them up perfectly, giving you that delightful fresh-from-the-oven experience all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can use any gluten-free flour blend to keep these cookies gluten-free or swap for all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Just ensure the flour quantity remains the same for the best results.
What type of apple is best for these cookies?
Red apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully because they hold their shape and add natural sweetness without turning mushy during baking.
Is it necessary to use agave as the sweetener?
You can use other liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if agave isn’t available. Just be mindful that different sweeteners may slightly affect the texture and sweetness level.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, by substituting the egg with a flax or chia egg and using coconut oil instead of butter, you can easily create a vegan version that’s just as tasty.
How do I avoid the cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your dough isn’t too warm when scooping—chilling it for 20-30 minutes before baking can help keep the cookies thick and prevent excessive spreading.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is like bringing a little bit of autumn magic into your kitchen no matter the season. These cookies are straightforward to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring on your own. I hope you enjoy baking and snacking on them as much as I do!
Print
Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these comforting Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies, combining wholesome oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet diced apples for a nutritious twist on classic apple pie flavors. These soft-baked cookies are enhanced with whole wheat flour and a subtle vanilla glaze, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) instant oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (28g) coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120mL) agave syrup
- 1 cup (125g) finely diced red apple (about 1 medium)
Optional Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the melted coconut oil or butter, the large egg at room temperature, vanilla extract, and agave syrup until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Mix Dough & Add Apples: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the finely diced red apple to evenly distribute it throughout the cookie dough without overmixing.
- Scoop & Bake: Using rounded tablespoons or a 1.5-inch cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges appear golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess and retain crisp edges.
- Prepare & Apply Optional Vanilla Glaze: After the cookies have fully cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking the sifted powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze nicely over each cookie and allow it to set for 15 to 20 minutes before serving or storing them.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat flour with your preferred gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
- For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter, and ensure the agave is suitable.
- Fresh red apples add the best texture, but you can also try Granny Smith or Fuji apples for varied sweetness and tartness.
- The optional vanilla glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal but can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
