When the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the smell of apple and cinnamon wafting through your home. These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect treat to embrace the autumn season. They are thick, soft, and chewy, bursting with spiced apple chunks that will make you feel cozy with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or a sweet treat to share with friends and family, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 1-2 apples)

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and to the perfect texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The creamed mixture should be pale in color and have a smooth texture.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This step helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a rich flavor to your cookies.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution of flavors and leavening agents throughout the dough.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The apple chunks will add moisture and a burst of flavor to each bite.

7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow them room to spread as they bake.

8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly underdone, but they will continue to set as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and achieve the perfect chewy texture.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

• Choose the Right Apples: For the best results, use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast of tartness to the sweet cookie dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can cause the cookies to be dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly. Start checking them at the 10-minute mark. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can substitute quick oats for rolled oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats will make the cookies a bit softer.

Q: Can I add nuts or raisins to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be great additions to these cookies. Just be sure not to add too much, as you don’t want to overpower the apple flavor.

Q: Can I freeze the dough for later use?
A: Yes, this dough freezes well. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies fresh and delicious:

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft.
• In the Refrigerator: If you prefer, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• In the Freezer: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With their warm spices and chunks of juicy apple, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or days later, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season.