If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly balances wholesome oats, fragrant cinnamon, and the natural sweetness of both apples and raisins, then you are going to fall in love with this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. These cookies are cozy little bites packed with texture and warm spice that bring a nostalgic feeling with every chew. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a lunchbox treat, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the best part about this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from giving structure and chew to infusing that irresistible apple cinnamon warmth we all crave.
- Rolled oats: Provides hearty texture and a nutty flavor base essential for oatmeal cookies.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a wholesome depth and slightly nutty undertone while keeping the cookies tender.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help your cookies rise to the perfect lightness without being cakey.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the spices beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: The superstar spice that delivers cozy warmth and classic apple pie vibes.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint that rounds out the spice blend with a touch of earthiness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Moistens the cookies naturally and adds fruity sweetness without extra fat.
- Coconut oil, melted: Brings richness and a slight tropical aroma, plus it keeps the cookie soft and tender.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and chewy texture to complement the oats and apple.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its smooth sweetness and aroma.
- Raisins: Sweet bursts that contrast the chewy oats and tender apple pieces.
- Diced fresh apple: The star ingredient that guarantees fresh, juicy bites and vibrant apple flavor.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl to combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking these together distributes the leavening agents and spices uniformly, which means every cookie gets the full flavor and a consistent rise.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds moisture, sweetness, and richness, forming the flavorful foundation of these cookies.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so a few lumps are perfectly fine here. Your dough should be thick but scoopable.
Step 5: Fold in Raisins and Diced Apples
Gently fold in the raisins and diced fresh apples. These add bursts of sweetness and soft chewiness, ensuring each bite is delightfully flavorful and texturally interesting.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each mound to encourage even baking. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the cookies feel set but still soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them firm up a little. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely so they develop the perfect chewy texture that makes this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking while the cookies are still warm. A light dusting of powdered sugar pairs beautifully and adds a festive look that’s perfect for gatherings.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot chai tea or warm apple cider to amplify the cozy spices. A dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream can turn these cookies into a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a rustic basket lined with a plaid cloth for a cozy kitchen vibe. You can also sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce for a fun twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them a wonderful grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy freshly soft cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives the aromas and gooey texture that make this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe truly special.
FAQs
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes! While whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, all-purpose flour will still work well and make the cookies slightly lighter in texture.
Is it okay to use dried apples instead of fresh diced apples?
Dried apples can be used, but fresh diced apples provide juiciness and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the oats and raisins perfectly. If using dried apples, consider soaking them in warm water first to soften.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already free from dairy and eggs, so as long as you use vegan-friendly brown sugar and vanilla, these cookies are naturally vegan.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil can be swapped in equal amounts, but coconut oil adds a subtle richness that enhances the cookie’s flavor.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar slightly or use unsweetened raisins to lessen sweetness. The apples naturally add a nice balance of tartness as well.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe cookies that brings warmth to any day. From the wholesome oats to the tender apples and spices, each bite feels like a cozy hug. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and experience the joy of sharing these simple yet flavorful treats with those you love.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a wholesome and flavorful treat, combining the natural sweetness of apples and raisins with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Made with whole wheat flour and rolled oats, and sweetened with brown sugar and unsweetened applesauce, they offer a deliciously chewy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for a healthy snack or dessert, these cookies are easy to make and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup diced fresh apple (peeled and finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, ensuring even sweetness and moisture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Add Raisins and Apple: Gently fold in the raisins and finely diced fresh apple to incorporate bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon or your fingers for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the best texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for variation.
- For a nut-free option, ensure your coconut oil and other ingredients are processed in nut-free facilities.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To make the cookies gluten-free, replace whole wheat flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
