Oatmeal Apple Cookies
Oatmeal Apple Cookies offer a delightful combination of chewy oats, sweet diced apples, and warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, these cookies are enjoyed by all ages and bring wholesome, comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup buttered Crisco ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 3 cups oats ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup diced apples ⓘ
- 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 3/4 cup walnuts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the shortening, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla on medium speed until well blended.
- Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually beat the dry mixture into the creamed mixture at low speed until well blended.
- Stir in the oats and diced apples.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 13 minutes.
- Cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then remove to a cooling rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can substitute half the buttered Crisco with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider adding almond extract along with the vanilla. Feel free to use rolled oats for a chewier texture, or quick oats if you like a softer cookie. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of allspice or ginger.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal apple cookies make a delightful snack on their own but can be paired with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a cozy treat. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that rivals Peter Paul Mound Cake. They also make a lovely addition to a picnic or lunchbox.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Apple Cookies contains roughly 214 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 514mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! You can substitute diced pears or even dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the fruit is well-drained if using canned options to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking soda and oats, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What is the best way to adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the brown sugar by 1/4 cup. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute designed for baking. Just keep in mind that some substitutes may alter the texture slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).