Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Rolled oats: These provide a chewy texture and a hearty base for the cookies.

All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the cookies, helping them hold their shape.

Coconut oil: Used as a fat source, it adds a subtle coconut flavor and keeps the cookies moist.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that pairs well with the apples and cinnamon.

Applesauce: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a mild apple flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, complementing the apples perfectly.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and become tender.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Diced apples: Fresh apples add texture and bursts of fruity flavor throughout the cookies.

When dicing the apples, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the cookies. This will help maintain a consistent texture and flavor in each bite. Additionally, consider using a mix of apple varieties for a balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a great alternative.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, giving the cookies a slightly nuttier flavor.

• Coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for a different but still rich flavor, and it maintains the moisture in the cookies.

• Brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and provides a similar sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.

• Applesauce - Substitute with mashed bananas: Mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making them a good alternative to applesauce.

• Vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile to the cookies.

• Ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• Baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use twice the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda, as it includes an acid to help with leavening.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.

• Diced apples - Substitute with diced pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a suitable replacement for apples.

• To keep your apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days.

• If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will last for up to 10 days in the fridge.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. First, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the cookies are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. For a warm treat, you can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

• If you prefer to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

• Remember to label your containers or bags with the date so you can keep track of their freshness. Enjoy your apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies anytime you crave a sweet and comforting treat!

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method helps to retain the cookies' crisp edges and chewy centers.

• Microwave Method: Place a few cookies on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick but may make the cookies slightly softer.

• Toaster Oven Method: Set your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for 3-5 minutes. This method is great for maintaining the texture of the cookies.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method can give the cookies a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 2-3 minutes. This method is efficient and helps maintain the cookies' texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cookie dough on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.

• Large bowl: Used to mix the dry ingredients together.

• Another bowl: Used to whisk together the wet ingredients.

• Whisk: Tool used to blend the wet ingredients smoothly.

• Spatula: Used to fold in the diced apples into the combined mixture.

• Cookie scoop: Helps to portion out the dough evenly onto the baking sheet.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies after baking to ensure they set properly.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and dice all ingredients like apples and coconut oil before starting. This will streamline your process.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes and speeds up the scooping process.

Melt coconut oil in microwave: Quickly melt coconut oil in the microwave to save time over stovetop melting.

Mix dry ingredients first: Combine all dry ingredients in one bowl before adding the wet ones to save on mixing time.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the dough to ensure it's ready when you are.