There’s something utterly heartwarming about baking a batch of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Imagine warm cinnamon drifting through your kitchen, tart apples tucked inside, chewy oats, and golden raisins peeking out of every bite. These cookies wrap up all the best flavors of cozy autumn days, but really, they’re a treat any time you need a little pick-me-up! This recipe is a delicious and wholesome twist on a classic, and you won’t believe how quickly they come together or disappear from the cookie jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies couldn’t be simpler, and each one plays a special role in the final result. From warm spices to soft butter, these components work in harmony for irresistible cookies with a perfect balance of sweet, spice, and chew.
- Old-fashioned oats: They bring hearty texture and chew, holding everything together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: For the right structure, helping your cookies hold their shape without being tough.
- Baking soda: Lends just the right lift for soft, tender centers.
- Cinnamon: The star spice, infusing the dough with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Nutmeg: Just a touch boosts the spice depth and complexity.
- Salt: It sharpens all the flavors and keeps things from being cloyingly sweet.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for richness and that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Brown sugar: Offers deeper flavor and a wonderful chewiness, thanks to the molasses.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and gives them just the right amount of spread.
- Large egg: Binds the dough, adds moisture, and ensures structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices with soft, fragrant undertones.
- Finely chopped peeled apple: Brings sweet-tart juiciness and keeps every bite moist.
- Raisins: Add pops of natural sweetness and classic oatmeal cookie character.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Before you do anything else, set yourself up for success! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready once your dough is just right. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blending these first means your spices and leavening are perfectly distributed, lending every cookie consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a larger mixing bowl, beat your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You want the mixture to get light and fluffy—this introduces air, which helps make your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies nicely tender.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract just until everything is blended. These two add even more moisture and flavor, turning your creamed mixture into a luscious cookie base.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir your dry ingredients into the wet, working gently until you have a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix; just fold until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Raisins
With a spatula, fold in the finely chopped apple and raisins. This is where the magic happens—those bits of apple add juicy bursts, while the raisins give that classic chewy-sweet bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each cookie. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cookies have golden edges and the centers look just set. That tiny bit of softness in the center means your cookies will stay wonderfully chewy.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up just enough to transfer—then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation makes the first bite even better!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can be sprinkled over fresh, warm cookies to amp up that spiced aroma. A drizzle of vanilla glaze is also wonderful if you’re feeling playful or planning to gift these sweet treats.
Side Dishes
Of course, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are great on their own, but pairing them with a creamy mug of chai tea or a cold glass of milk takes things to another level. If you want a bolder pairing, try them alongside spiced apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t hesitate to stack these cookies high on a rustic wood board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for added autumn charm. Or, bundle them up in parchment and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. For a kid-friendly project, let little ones sandwich some vanilla ice cream between two cookies for fun oatmeal ice cream sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will stay chewy and fresh if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping a piece of bread alongside them in the container helps soak up moisture and keeps the cookies soft.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then stack in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, give them a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave. This revives their soft, gooey center and brings all those spiced aromas wafting right back.
FAQs
Can I swap out the raisins for something else?
Absolutely! If you’re not a raisin fan, dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips are all delicious alternatives in Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Do I need to peel the apple before chopping?
For this recipe, peeling the apple is preferred to keep the texture tender and uniform, but you can leave the skin on for extra fiber and color if you don’t mind a little chew.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will be less hearty and a bit softer overall. Old-fashioned oats deliver the best chewy texture.
What kind of apple works best?
Firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala really shine here. They hold their shape in the oven and provide the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend for the flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally friendly!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that delivers comfort and crave-worthy flavor, you simply must bake a batch of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Cozy, satisfying, and full of the best seasonal tastes, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen—so go ahead and share them (if you can bear to part with a few)!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cookie. Packed with cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet apple pieces, and chewy raisins, these cookies are perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped peeled apple
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the chopped apple and raisins.
- Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use a firm, sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- For added texture, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *