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
Scale
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.
