These wholesome apple oatmeal cookies are made with just two core ingredients and deliver natural sweetness, soft texture, and comforting flavor in every bite. Perfect for a quick snack or healthy dessert, they are simple, nourishing, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Made with only natural ingredients
No added sugar and no flour
Naturally sweetened by apples
Gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats)
Kid-friendly and lunchbox perfect
Quick to prepare with minimal cleanup
Soft, chewy texture with warm apple flavor
Budget-friendly and pantry-based
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups rolled oats
2 medium apples (about 2 cups grated apple)
Optional add-ins for extra flavor:
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or almonds
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the apples. Peel and core the apples, then grate them using the fine side of a box grater. You should have about 2 cups of grated apple with its natural juices.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated apples and rolled oats. If using optional ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla, stir them in at this stage.
Mix thoroughly until the oats are fully coated and evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the apple moisture.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon, shaping into round cookies.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool while remaining soft and chewy inside.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 cookies
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
Variations
Apple Cinnamon Spice
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Apple Raisin
Stir in 2 tablespoons raisins for added natural sweetness and texture.
Apple Nut Crunch
Add 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch.
Apple Coconut
Mix in 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Banana Apple Oat
Replace one apple with 1 ripe mashed banana for a softer texture and deeper sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften, or heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture will be softer and slightly less chewy.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on for extra fiber.
Are these cookies sweet enough without sugar?
Yes, especially if you use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
Can I make them crispier?
Bake them a few minutes longer and flatten them more before baking.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, you can add 1–2 tablespoons, but you may need a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I make them vegan?
They are naturally vegan as written.
Why are my cookies too soft?
They may need a few extra minutes of baking or more time to cool and set.
Can I blend the oats first?
Yes, pulsing the oats into a coarse flour will create a smoother, more uniform texture.
What type of apples work best?
Sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best for natural sweetness.
Conclusion
These apple oatmeal cookies prove that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. With no added sugar or flour, they are a wholesome option for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a naturally sweet treat made from everyday ingredients.
These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are naturally sweet, soft, and chewy, made with just rolled oats and fresh grated apples. With no added sugar or flour, they’re a wholesome, simple treat perfect for snacks or a light dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
2 medium apples (about 2 cups grated apple)
Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
Optional: 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates
Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or almonds
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel, core, and finely grate the apples to yield about 2 cups, including juices.
In a mixing bowl, combine grated apples and rolled oats. Stir in any optional add-ins if using.
Mix thoroughly and let sit for 5 minutes to allow oats to absorb moisture.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per cookie onto prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until set and lightly golden around edges.
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for best flavor.
Cookies firm up as they cool while remaining soft inside.
Flatten more and bake slightly longer for crispier cookies.
Certified gluten-free oats ensure the recipe remains gluten-free.
