Apple Oatmeal Cookies

5 from 12 votes

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These delicious chewy Apple Oatmeal Cookies are topped with creamy brown butter frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like apple pie meets chewy oatmeal cookies, perfect as a yummy fall season treat! It’s that time of year!

apple oatmeal cookies stack on a cooling rack

You’ll Love This Recipe!

These healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies are totally old-school cookies. Like the kind your Grandma would make. Except I frosted them with Brown Butter Frosting. When making these cookies, I ate more frosting than cookie dough. That’s saying a LOT. And just like any other cookie, these are pretty simple to make. And even if you screw them up, the frosting will fix everything. Also, I now believe that Brown Butter Frosting is the key to world peace.

One thing that I love about my readers is that they take my recipes and customize them to suit their wants! Here are a couple of common variations for these apple oatmeal cookies:

  • Plain: If you don’t have a huge sweet tooth, skip the frosting and enjoy these cookies plain.
  • Shredded Apple: I diced my apples but if you want to you could shred them. This distributes the flavor and moisture a little better.
  • Add Nuts: Walnuts to be specific, this sounds so good.
  • Make Sandwich Cookies: Instead of frosting one cookie, make these into sandwich cookies instead. Kinda like my Oatmeal Cream Pies!

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies

For full recipe details, including an ingredients list and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what you can expect when making this easy recipe:

apple oatmeal cookie ingredients

Preheat Oven + Prep

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.

baking pan on counter

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugars (granulated sugar and brown sugar) together until light and fluffy. Stir in the large egg and vanilla extract.

Slowly incorporate all of the dry ingredients (all purpose flour, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon) into the wet ingredients. Stir in the quick oats and apples.

Bake + Cool

Scoop onto the prepared cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or until warm, your choice!

Make the Brown Butter Frosting

While cookies are baking, place 1/4 cup butter into a small saucepan. With the heat on medium, melt and brown the butter. (If you are unfamiliar with browning butter, I go into more detail about how to and what to watch out for, on my post for Brown Butter Frosting.)

Once the butter is a medium brown/amber color remove from heat and pour into a small bowl. Stir in powdered sugar and enough milk to get a spreadable consistency (add more powdered sugar and milk as needed to get the consistency you like).

Frost the Cookies

Frost warm or room temperature cookies and sprinkle with more cinnamon, if desired. Serve.

Storing Directions

Because these cookies contain fresh apples I’d enjoy and eat them ASAP. However that doesn’t mean you can’t store them for a few days either (up to three days). Be sure to store in an airtight container. You can either leave the cookies unfrosted then frost as you go or separate them with a layer of parchment paper.

To Freeze: Freeze unbaked (dough) or baked (without frosting). Then either pop those suckers into the oven from frozen to bake or thaw and warm up, as desired. I suggest making the frosting fresh for maximum flavor and ease. Freeze for up to three months.

cookies on a tablescape

Apple Oatmeal Cookies FAQs

This delicious recipe has been around for a while which means I have some Frequently Asked Questions and answers for you! Read this before making these cookies, m’kay?

I’m nervous about the cookies spreading too much. How can I prevent that?

Cookies usually flatten out because there isn’t enough flour mixed in. It’s a pretty common thing to happen and has to do with how you measure the flour. I suggest doing a tester (bake 1 cookie) to see how they do. If they’re really flat, then add a little more flour, like 1-2 tablespoons. Then test another cookie to see how they bake.

Too much baking soda can flatten cookies too, so make sure you follow the recipe card to a T.

What is the purpose of a silicone baking mat/parchment paper? 

I like using parchment paper because it means less dishes! And the Silpat silicone mats are great for cookies. NOTHING sticks to them!

How do I prevent flaky frosting?

As the frosting cools it might develop a hardened, flaky top. This is totally normal for frostings made in a saucepan. However, if you’re looking for a smoother texture, simply allow the browned butter to cool then with a hand or stand mixer, mix it with the other ingredients.

What type of apples should I use?

I used Fuji apples but Honeycrisp apples, Gala apples or any apple variety works here, really. I know some of you are die hard fans of Granny Smith apples when it comes to baking, so use what you like.

Can I use old-fashioned oats?

I used quick cooking rolled oats but you could also use old fashioned oats as well.

More Oatmeal Cookie Recipes to Try!

We LOVED these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. The combination of sweet apples with the chewy oatmeal texture – and of course the quintessential apple spice – cinnamon, is such a classic! But, anything could taste good with that frosting slathered all over it. 🙂 These chewy apple oatmeal cookies are perfect for an evening treat, an after-school snack or to pack in a lunch. The printable recipe card is below, enjoy!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave a review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

apple oatmeal cookies stack on a cooling rack
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5 from 12 votes

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

These delicious Apple Oatmeal Cookies are topped with creamy brown butter frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect as a yummy Fall treat!
servings 24 small cookies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

for the frosting:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheet with silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.
    apple oatmeal cookie ingredients
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Stir in egg and vanilla. Slowly incorporate all dry ingredients.
    electric mixer mixing cookie dough
  • Stir in oats and apples.
    diced apples added to cookie dough
  • Scoop onto prepared sheet.
    cookie dough balls on a baking sheet
  • Bake 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden.
    baked apple oatmeal cookies
  • While cookies are baking, place 1/4 cup butter into small saucepan. With heat on medium, melt and brown the butter. Once the butter is a medium brown/amber color remove from heat and pour into a small bowl.
    melting butter in a pot
  • Stir in powdered sugar and enough milk to get a spreadable consistency.
    powdered sugar added to brown butter
  • Frost warm cookies and sprinkle with more cinnamon, if desired. Serve.
    adding frosting to a cookie with a spoon

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple oatmeal cookies

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Recipe Rating




77 Responses
  1. Rokssana

    5 stars
    Just made these cookies and they are delicious!! These garnered rave reviews and I will be making these again. Thanks for the recipe!

  2. Sam

    5 stars
    Made these today and they are awesome! I doubled the cinnamon and vanilla, just a personal preference, and I grated the apples instead of dicing them. Definitely will make again.
    Thank you!

  3. Shelley Sharp

    i have a question- If you don’t put the icing on right away, could you freeze the cookies, thaw them out and then frost them before you serve them? Just wondering, they look tasty and your daughter is lovely…

  4. in season: 48 apple recipes | Café Zupas

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  5. Apple Oatmeal Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe | Best Friends For Frosting

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  6. Chrissy

    LOVE these. What a great mix of flavors! I bet the brown butter adds such a yummy depth to these oatmeal cookies. Also, your daughter is just so adorable. I am sure that she was fine being used for her cheap labor 🙂

  7. shelly (cookies and cups)

    This is the type of cookie i could eat 40 of and still want more. I mean there’s fruit in there, so it’s kinda healthy 🙂

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  9. Vanessa

    5 stars
    These are great!! Mine spread out a bit as well, but that makes no never mind to my family lol I added cinnamon to the frosting and am in love! Thanks so much for this delicious recipe 🙂

  10. Clover

    I made these yesterday and the flavor was awesome, but they spread all over, and were really too thin. Couldn’t frost them (although I didn’t need to they taste great alone). However, if I make them again I’ll have to do something different 1/2 cup flour maybe wasn’t enough or something.

    1. Lauren

      Try making them smaller and possibly adding a touch more flour. Did you add the 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon? This recipe has worked for me several times…interesting that you’re were flat like pancakes.

      1. Clover

        I followed the recipe exactly and kept the cookies small, in fact they made 36 cookies because I made them a little small. Anyway they sure were tasy even if they were flat. I think a little more flour and maybe refrigerate them before scooping and baking. Thanks for the reply.

    2. Gillian

      Mine came out spread and flat too… so I added a good bit more flour to the second half of the batter, and then they were fine! I probably would put 3/4 – 1 cup of flour in them next time. But they’re yummy!

      I wonder… I used old fashioned (not quick cooking) oats – maybe the quick cooking ones absorb more moisture? or something…

      1. Clover

        I used quick cooking oats–they didn’t absorb any extra moisture. Maybe the kind of apple I used was extra juicy?

  11. Nancy @ CouponClippingCook

    These cookies are a work of art. They look so good. Your pictures are so pretty and your little girl is adorable. Have a nice weekend!

  12. Gillian

    These look so great! And they have apples and oats in them, so my nutritionist can’t get upset with me, right? Right?

    Maybe I’ll make half with frosting and half without, and eat the plain ones for breakfast 😀

  13. Roselyn D

    I am making these this afternoon for a coffee date tomorrow. Looks so good. Question though, can I frost these cookies now, or should I wait till just before serving?

    p.s Happy Victoria Day from a fellow Canuck.

  14. JulieD

    The cookies and frosting look amazing! Love your daughter, she’s so cute! Hope I get to meet her next month!!

  15. Debra Kapellakis

    You have the cutest little helper I have seen since my 20 year old daughter was that age! 😀 I printed this recipe.

  16. Lenore

    Your daughter is ADORABLE. Also, I am obsessed with all things brown butter-related so I must make these immediately. Or tomorrow morning. But either way, very soon!

  17. Jennifer moore

    I’m currently making these cookies and the atter is amazing, but is there supposed to be more flour than just half a cup?

  18. Julie @ Table for Two

    you are such a genius for creating this. looks sooo good!! i can just imagine tasting a delicious apple pie in this cookie….brooke is absolutely adorable! haha cheap child labor, love it 😉

  19. Julia {The Roasted Root}

    mmm…looks so warm and inviting! I don’t know that I’ve had apple in cookies before though it sounds wonderful! Love the oats, love the brown butter frosting…the apples, the cinnamon. It all looks lovely. I bet your adorable little niece loved them!

  20. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts

    I liked your photo. The cookies sound amazing with the frosting!
    Good luck on the marathon. I have done a couple half’s, but have always wanted to do a whole. Not sure my knees could hold up though 🙁

  21. Kathryn

    Does you daughter do the washing up too (aside from licking the kitchen aid attachment clean)? I think I need to get me one of those!

    These cookies are full of some of my favourite things and I feel the urge to cover everything that I eat in brown butter frosting right now!

  22. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking

    These little cookies look so good, Lauren! The flavors are so reminiscent of fall, too, which I can never get enough of. Great recipe!

  23. Jessica@AKitchenAddiction

    These sound perfect! Love apple and oats together, and with brown butter frosting, I’m pretty sure you can’t go wrong!

    Love the picture of your daughter!

  24. Jennifer | Mother Thyme

    The pictures of your daughter are just precious! These cookies look divine. And with the brown butter frosting, I would be eating just the frosting too! 🙂

  25. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel

    Cheap labor rocks. And can I have these for breakfast? They do have fruit so it seems totally okay in my book. 🙂

  26. Valerie at The Year of Living Healthfully

    Lauren, these cookies look great. One question though. Your recipe calls for quick cooking oats. Do you think I can just sub in old fashioned, which I have on hand?

  27. Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray

    Ooooh these flavors are glorious. Apple + oatmeal + brown butter + cinnamon = all the comfort I need in cookie form! Also, your daughter is adorable. She can steal cookie dough from me anytime (except not really because licking the paddle is my favorite part).

  28. Cookbook Queen

    I LOVE apples in baked goods…seriously one of my favorite things. But can you believe I still haven’t tried browned butter anything??? What is WRONG with me?!?!

  29. Sally @ Spontaneous Hausfrau

    I so want to make these but I know I would be completely powerless with them in the house. Thus, I will make these the next time I have company or have to bring a dessert and make everyone else powerless, too 😉

  30. Tanya Schroeder

    Love the big chunks of apples you can see in the cookie! But even more I love your assistant. I have one of those too! Big help.

  31. Lauren at Keep It Sweet

    These look fantastic and your daughter is too cute (and smart)! I’d definitely have to make extra frosting to be safe.

  32. Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious

    Your daughter is just too precious! And these cookies are to die for! It has all my favorite ingredients – apple, oatmeal, and butter. Oh wait, and that frosting too. Can’t forget about that!

  33. Averie @ Averie Cooks

    I love the pic of her licking the beater…part mischief, part sheer joy, part sneaky little daredevil…I can see my daughter being the same 🙂

    Great cookies, Lauren!

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