Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If there’s a cookie that tastes like a cozy autumn afternoon, it’s Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. These treats are the very definition of comfort baking: tender from chunks of crisp apple, full of warm cinnamon spice, and studded with sweet raisins in every bite. With their chewy texture and just-right sweetness, these cookies strike a perfect balance—making them a favorite for bakers and eaters alike. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic snack or the ultimate fall-inspired dessert, this recipe promises to turn your kitchen into a hub of irresistible aroma and lasting memories.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is in their straightforward ingredients, each one playing a memorable part in the final cookie. Here’s why these pantry staples are non-negotiable for this unforgettable bake.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies a luscious, tender crumb and rich taste.
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a caramel depth and beautiful moistness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances molasses notes from brown sugar and helps create crispy edges.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the dough, contributing to the cookies’ chewy interior.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth of cinnamon and enriches overall flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure these cookies need to hold chunky apples and plump raisins.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures lift and a soft, cake-like texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Delivers that quintessential cozy aroma and spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy depth that complements the apple perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Brings hearty chewiness and the classic oatmeal cookie character.
• 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple (about 1 medium apple): Freshens up each bite with juicy pops of fruit.
• ¾ cup raisins: Contributes extra natural sweetness and a touch of nostalgia.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Taking a minute for this small detail is worth it for picture-perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is pale and fluffy; this step not only combines the ingredients but also incorporates air, ensuring your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies have that irresistible chewy tenderness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, completely blending each before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract. This creates a beautifully smooth and velvety base, allowing all the ingredients to come together harmoniously.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed throughout your dough, giving your cookies the signature warm flavor and even texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to over-mix here, as it helps your cookies stay soft and tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Fold in Oats, Apples, and Raisins

With a spatula, fold in the oats, chopped apple, and raisins. You’ll notice the dough becoming wonderfully chunky and fragrant—exactly what you want! Make sure the apple and raisins are evenly distributed, so every bite has a touch of everything that makes this cookie special.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie, as they’ll spread a bit. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden and the centers to look just set. This short baking time keeps your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies soft in the center with perfectly crisp edges.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough to handle. As they cool, the aroma will call everyone to the kitchen—don’t be surprised if they disappear as soon as they’re cool enough to touch!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, try dusting your cookies with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with a light maple glaze. A pinch of cinnamon sugar sprinkled just after baking will add a delicate crunch and even more fragrant spice.

Side Dishes

Nothing accompanies Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies quite like a hot mug of apple cider, spicy chai, or a creamy latte. For dessert platters, pair them with vanilla ice cream or slices of sharp cheddar cheese for a sophisticated sweet-and-savory treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Make cookie sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of cinnamon cream cheese between two cookies, or crumble them over yogurt for an irresistible parfait. For gifting, package a stack with a rustic ribbon and include a cinnamon stick—charming and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies stay wonderfully fresh for up to a week when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Insert a slice of bread in the container to maintain their chewy texture—the cookies absorb the bread’s moisture while staying delightfully soft.

Freezing

These cookies are standout candidates for the freezer. Once cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months—perfect for those times when only a homemade cookie will do.

Reheating

If you love the experience of a warm, just-baked cookie, pop a frozen or day-old cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also reheat several at once in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. The apples and oats make them extra moist when served warm.

FAQs

Can I substitute quick oats for rolled oats?

Quick oats can be used, but they yield a somewhat softer, less chewy texture. For the hearty bite that defines Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, rolled oats are the top choice.

What kind of apples should I use?

Choose a firm-sweet apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji, as these retain their shape and offer natural sweetness and subtle tartness in the cookies. Softer apples like Red Delicious may break down too much as they bake.

Do I have to peel the apple?

Peeled apples blend more seamlessly into the cookie dough, ensuring a tender bite. However, if you love a bit of rustic texture, you can leave the peel on; just chop the apples extra fine.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are fabulous additions and bring extra crunch and nutty flavor to Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Simply fold in half a cup along with the oats, apples, and raisins.

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Swap in plant-based butter for the regular butter and double-check that your other ingredients (like chocolate chips, if you add them) are dairy-free. The cookies will have a slightly different taste but will still be chewy, spiced, and delicious!

Final Thoughts

Baking Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is like bringing a little bit of sunshine and warmth into your day. With every batch, you get a taste of nostalgia and the kind of homemade goodness that never goes out of style. I can’t wait for you to try them and share a plateful with your favorite people!

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