Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are moist, chewy, and filled with natural goodness. They’re lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and apples, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy flavor. They’re also versatile—easy to adapt for a vegan or gluten-free diet—and store well for busy days. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea in the afternoon or pack them in a lunchbox, they’re a simple treat that feels indulgent but is actually nourishing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
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baking soda
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salt
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ground cinnamon
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ground nutmeg (optional)
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coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
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light brown sugar
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melted coconut oil (or neutral vegetable oil)
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unsweetened applesauce
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large egg (or vegan substitute like mashed banana)
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vanilla extract
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apples, peeled, cored, and diced
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rolled oats
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chopped nuts (optional – walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds)
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raisins (optional)
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine oat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk well.
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Stir in coconut sugar and brown sugar, breaking up any lumps.
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In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, applesauce, egg (or substitute), and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
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Fold in diced apples, rolled oats, nuts, and raisins if using.
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Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Scoop out tablespoons of dough, place on the baking sheet, and space them about 1 inch apart. Flatten slightly if desired.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are just set.
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Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 18–24 cookies
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Chill time: 30 minutes
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Cook time: 12–15 minutes
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Total time: about 35 minutes (plus chilling)
Variations
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Add dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent version.
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Mix in shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds for extra texture.
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Swap apples for pears or add dried cranberries for a festive touch.
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Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
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Make sandwich cookies by spreading almond or peanut butter between two cookies.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy warm, reheat briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They’re soft and chewy with a moist interior, thanks to the apples and applesauce.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, replace the egg with mashed banana, extra applesauce, or a flax egg.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on for extra fiber.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can lower the sugar or replace it with maple syrup or honey.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, scoop portions onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
What kind of apples work best?
Crisp, slightly sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are ideal.
Can I make larger cookies?
Yes, just increase the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness.
Why chill the dough?
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.
Are these good for breakfast?
Absolutely—these cookies are nutrient-dense and filling, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast option.
Conclusion
Healthy apple oat cookies are the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. With their soft texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness, they’re a treat you can enjoy any time of day without guilt. Whether you make them for breakfast, a snack, or to share with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a wholesome favorite in your kitchen.
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Healthy apple oat cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with natural sweetness from apples and coconut sugar. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re comforting yet wholesome. Easy to make vegan or gluten-free, these cookies are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes, and store well for busy days.
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 18–24 cookies
Ingredients
1 ½ cups oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
¼ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
¼ cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or neutral vegetable oil)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg (or vegan substitute like mashed banana or flax egg)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds)
½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk oat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add coconut sugar and brown sugar, breaking up any lumps.
- In another bowl, whisk melted coconut oil, applesauce, egg (or substitute), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in apples, oats, nuts, and raisins if using.
- Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out tablespoons of dough, place 1 inch apart, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden and centers are just set.
- Cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Add dark chocolate chips for indulgence.
- Mix in coconut, seeds, or chia for extra texture.
- Swap apples for pears or add dried cranberries for a festive version.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
- Make sandwich cookies with nut butter filling.
- Author: Monica
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (out of 20)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Healthy apple oat cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with natural sweetness from apples and coconut sugar. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re comforting yet wholesome. Easy to make vegan or gluten-free, these cookies are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes, and store well for busy days.