If you adore the comforting aromas and flavors of fall, you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that perfectly balances sweet raisins, tender chunks of fresh apple, and warm cinnamon spices—all nestled inside hearty oats and whole wheat flour. These cookies are not just delicious; they feel like a nostalgic hug from your childhood kitchen, yet light and wholesome enough to enjoy any time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a crowd-pleasing treat, this recipe promises to be your new favorite go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in creating the taste, texture, and inviting color of the final cookie. From the heartiness of rolled oats to the natural sweetness brought by apples and raisins, these ingredients come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Rolled oats: Adds wonderful chewiness and fiber, making every bite fulfilling.
- Whole wheat flour: Gives a nutty depth and a wholesome texture that complements the oats.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, light bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookie.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm spice note that feels cozy and inviting.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the cookies moist and adds natural apple flavor without extra fat.
- Melted coconut oil: Offers a mild richness and makes these cookies perfectly tender.
- Brown sugar: Contributes caramel undertones and soft sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the overall aroma and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Raisins: Bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture that contrast beautifully with the oats.
- Diced fresh apple: Provides juicy little pockets of freshness that elevate every mouthful.
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). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This dry mixture forms the flavorful and textured base of your cookies.
Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Doing this separately ensures everything blends nicely once combined with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want your cookies tender, not tough!
Step 5: Fold in Raisins and Diced Apple
Fold in the raisins and the finely diced fresh apple gently, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These additions give your cookies their signature bursts of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon to encourage even baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell will be absolutely irresistible as these bake, signaling that your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is almost ready.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape and are perfectly chewy.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the warm cookies to enhance the warm spice aroma, or add a thin drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness and shine. Toasted chopped nuts on top also add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair delightfully with a warm cup of chai tea, hot apple cider, or a cold glass of milk to balance the natural sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming presentation. You can also package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with twine as a heartfelt homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and tasty for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed cookies as if freshly baked, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and brings out the comforting apple cinnamon scent.
FAQs
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Using all-purpose flour will result in a slightly lighter cookie, but the flavor and texture of the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe will still shine through beautifully.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can replace coconut oil with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a mild-flavored vegetable oil if preferred. Butter will add richness, while vegetable oil keeps it lighter in flavor.
Can I omit the raisins or replace them with something else?
Yes, feel free to omit raisins or substitute with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. The chewy texture and sweetness they provide are key, but you can experiment according to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Since this recipe uses coconut oil and applesauce instead of butter or eggs, it is naturally vegan-friendly, making these cookies a perfect plant-based snack.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?
To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking and be sure to let them cool on the baking sheet briefly before moving to a rack. Storing them airtight at room temperature will also preserve that chewy, moist texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about baking a batch of these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe and sharing them with loved ones. Their warm spices, tender apples, and hearty oats combine to create a cookie that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. I cannot recommend this recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little homemade comfort to their cookie repertoire—give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for more!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these wholesome Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, a perfect blend of warm spices, tender apples, and chewy raisins. Made with whole wheat flour and oats, these cookies offer a nutritious twist on a classic favorite, ideal for a cozy snack or a healthy dessert.
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 facilitate even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
- Add Fruits: Fold in the raisins and finely diced fresh apple, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly and retain their texture.
Notes
- Make sure to peel and finely dice the apple to ensure it mixes well into the dough without creating too much moisture.
- For a vegan recipe, confirm the brown sugar is vegan-friendly, or substitute with coconut sugar if preferred.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for varied texture and flavor.
