Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for the coziest cookie to fill your kitchen with spiced aromas and sweet comfort, let me introduce you to these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Imagine chewy oats, tender flecks of apple, juicy raisins, and warm cinnamon all mingling together in a single, golden treat — these cookies truly capture the spirit of fall in every bite. Whether you serve them as an after-school snack or share them at a holiday gathering, this recipe is a nostalgic twist on a classic favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is refreshingly simple and made up of pantry essentials, each one enhancing the flavor, structure, and texture of your cookies. Together, they strike the perfect balance of hearty chewiness, soft apple bits, and a comforting spice.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup): Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and helps make the cookies chewy.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Provides structure and a subtle crisp edge to each cookie.
• Large eggs (2): Critical for binding everything together and adding moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The foundation that gives the cookies structure without making them dense.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Key for lift and a slightly tender crumb.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Delivers that signature warmth and coziness, a must-have for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
• Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds depth and a pinch of classic spice.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Old-fashioned oats (2 cups): Provides heartiness and that classic oatmeal chew.
• Finely chopped peeled apple (1 cup, about 1 medium apple): For pops of tart sweetness and moistness in every bite; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are especially good.
• Raisins (¾ cup): Bring extra bursts of juiciness and natural sweetness—swap with dried cranberries or toss in some walnuts for variety.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze, so you’re ready for snacking as soon as they’re done.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming these ingredients first sets the stage for soft, chewy cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the two eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s well combined and silky smooth. This step ensures your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies have a rich, even flavor throughout.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients before adding them in prevents lumps of spice and guarantees even flavor in every cookie.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your bowl of wet ingredients. Mix just until you see no streaks of flour left—overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop once it’s all combined.

Step 6: Fold in Oats, Apples, and Raisins

Gently stir in the old-fashioned oats, finely chopped apple, and raisins. Mixing by hand at this stage treats the apples and raisins gently, so they stay whole and tender inside each bite of your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven, and let them bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set. Allow your cookies to cool on the pan for a few moments before transferring them to a wire rack for that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon sugar on top before or right after baking. A drizzle of vanilla or maple glaze adds a finishing touch if you’re making these cookies for a special occasion or just want a little extra sweetness and sparkle.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot mug of spiced chai, or fresh apple cider. They also make a heartfelt companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies and tie them with bakers’ twine for adorable gifts, or tuck them into lunchboxes for a surprise treat. For a cozy dessert platter, arrange them alongside sliced apples, extra raisins, and a small bowl of warm caramel for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cookies have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully soft and chewy for up to 4 days—perfect for snacking whenever a craving strikes!

Freezing

If you’d like to make a batch ahead, both the dough and baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy as if they were freshly baked.

Reheating

To refresh day-old or thawed cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3–4 minutes. This little trick revives their softness and fills your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon-apple scent.

FAQs

Can I substitute the raisins?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips can step in for the raisins if you prefer a different flavor or want to mix things up.

What apples work best for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites for their tartness and how well they hold their shape when baked, but feel free to use whatever apple you have on hand.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and double check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still turn out tender and delicious.

How do I prevent soggy cookies from the apples?

Make sure to chop your apples finely and gently pat them dry with a paper towel before adding to the dough. This helps reduce excess moisture for perfectly chewy cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored, tightly wrapped, in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking for the best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the aroma and taste of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. If you love cozy, home-baked treats as much as I do, you simply have to give these cookies a try—they’re destined to become a favorite in your own kitchen. Happy baking!

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