There’s nothing quite like a classic oatmeal cookie, but this version, studded with sweet, chewy dried apples, takes it to a whole new level. But why stop there? This recipe is your ultimate playground for creating the perfect cookie. Think of it as a delicious template, ready for your creative touch. Swap the oats for other rolled grains like quinoa or spelt, trade the apples for a rainbow of dried fruits, or go all-in with a handful of crunchy nuts and decadent chocolate chips. And for my plant-based friends, the vegan variation is so good, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
• 8 tablespoons / 113g unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup / 100g granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup / 110g packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups / 180g all-purpose flour
• 2 cups / 160g rolled oats, not instant
• 1 1/2 cups / 140g chopped dried apples
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2.5g ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon / 1.5g salt
• 2 teaspoons / 8g baking powder
• 1/2 cup / 120ml milk
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2.5ml vanilla or almond extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, chopped dried apples, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
4. Alternating with the milk, add the dry to the butter mixture in three additions, stirring by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Stir in the vanilla or almond extract.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough about 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before using a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
• Recipe Facts
• MAKES: About 3 dozen cookies
• TIME: About 1 hour
• STORAGE: Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips
• & Variations
• Go Vegan: For a delicious vegan cookie, substitute 1/2 cup neutral oil for the butter, 1/4 cup applesauce for the eggs, and use your favorite non-dairy milk.
• Swap Your Grains: Instead of rolled oats, try using other rolled grains like quinoa, whole wheat, spelt, or barley for a unique texture and nutty flavor.
• Customize Your Mix-Ins: This recipe can handle up to 1/2 cup of extras! Try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, dark chocolate chips, or shredded coconut.
• Fruit Freedom: Any dried fruit works beautifully. Substitute the apples with raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, mango, or apricots.
• Peanut Butter Power: For a rich, nutty flavor, replace half of the butter (4 tablespoons) with 1/4 cup of your favorite creamy or crunchy peanut butter.
FAQ
Q: How can I make these apple oatmeal cookies vegan
A: To make a delicious vegan version, simply follow the ‘Go Vegan’ tip: substitute the 113g of butter with 1/2 cup of neutral oil, replace the 2 large eggs with 1/4 cup of applesauce, and use your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
Q: What can I use instead of eggs in this cookie recipe
A: This recipe works wonderfully without eggs. The recommended plant-based substitute is 1/4 cup of applesauce, which enhances the apple flavor and keeps the cookies moist. This swap is perfect for an egg-free or vegan diet.
Q: Can I add more protein to these vegetarian cookies
A: Yes, it’s easy to boost the protein. For a crunchy texture and healthy fats, add up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also replace half of the butter with 1/4 cup of peanut butter for a rich, nutty protein source.
Q: Are these oatmeal cookies dairy-free
A: The original recipe contains butter and milk, but it can easily be made dairy-free. Use a neutral-flavored oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of the butter, and choose any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk to create a fully dairy-free cookie.
Q: How should I store these vegetarian apple cookies
A: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in a tightly covered container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
