Name: Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (105 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup smooth applesauce; 1/3 cup honey; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Gala, cut into small dice (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 1/2 cups (155 grams) oats; 1 1/4 cups shredded (105 grams) sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (85 grams) raisins, optional

There's something utterly charming about the blend of sweet apple chunks and sharp cheddar cheese in one bite. This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe brings together cozy flavors and hearty oats for a cookie that feels like a little celebration in your mouth every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep a stash around for breakfast, snack, or just because.

A white plate filled with a stack of golden oatmeal cookies showing a rough texture with visible oats and bits of wheat, arranged in a slightly piled way with some cookies overlapping. Nearby, there is a glass of amber-colored tea casting soft shadows on a white marbled surface. The cookies look soft but firm, with uneven edges and a light toasted color on top. The setup includes a folded orange cloth on the right side of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is one of those happy accidents I stumbled upon while experimenting in the kitchen. The combination might sound unusual, but it's nothing short of magic—balancing sweet, savory, and a little nutty thanks to the oats. Plus, it’s easy enough for a quick after-school snack or a weekend bake.

Unique Flavor Combo: Sweet apples paired with sharp cheddar offer a surprising but irresistible taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like oats, applesauce, and honey keeps these cookies wholesome and easy to whip up.
Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crisp at the edges with a pleasing chew from the oats and bursts of apple.
Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a light dessert — they’re as adaptable as they are delicious.

The image shows a wire cooling rack with two rows of golden oatmeal cookies, each cookie round and textured with visible oats, arranged closely but not touching. Behind and around the rack, there are two small glasses filled with a dark amber liquid, likely tea or juice. To the right side, a white bowl filled with uncooked oats sits next to a chopping board holding two bright green apples and a dark knife. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface with bright, natural light casting soft shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I first baked these Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies, I was blown away by how the ingredients come together. Each component plays a role in texture and flavor, so picking quality ingredients can totally elevate your final cookie.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a few grains of kosher salt beside it, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl holding vanilla extract, one uncracked large brown egg, a medium Granny Smith apple diced into small cubes, a neat pile of rolled oats, a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing plump raisins, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, and a small white ceramic bowl with baking powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie providing structure, I recommend sifting for a lighter texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise gently so they don’t get too dense.
Nutmeg: Adds a warm, cozy spice that complements the apple beautifully.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Smooth Applesauce: Keeps the cookies moist and adds mild apple flavor without being chunk-heavy.
Honey: Natural sweetness here with a deep floral note — feel free to swap for maple syrup if you want a twist.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens the whole cookie and brings warmth to the mix.
Egg: Binds the dough together for perfect consistency.
Fresh Apple (Granny Smith or Gala): I like Granny Smith for that tart punch, but Gala is sweeter and lovely too; dice them small so every bite gets a little burst.
Oats: Rolled oats add hearty texture and chew to complement the tender apple pieces.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star savory ingredient that adds tang and richness — shredding from a block tastes better than pre-shredded.
Raisins (Optional): I toss these in when I want extra natural sweetness and chewiness; totally optional but delightful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve played around with add-ins and tweaks, and you should feel free to make it your own. That’s part of the fun!

Add Nuts: I once tossed in chopped walnuts for crunch and loved the extra depth it gave.
Switch the Cheese: Experiment with a milder cheese like Colby jack if you prefer less tang.
Go Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and check oats are certified gluten-free.
Make Them Vegan: Use a flax egg replacement and maple syrup instead of honey to keep the cookies vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients First

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. This step is quick but essential because evenly distributed spices and rising agents ensure all cookies taste consistent and bake evenly—no surprises!

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the smooth applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and egg together until smooth and glossy. I love that this mix is both sweet and moist, which means your cookies won’t dry out after baking.

Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry, Then Fold in Fresh Goodies

Pour the dry mix into your wet ingredients and whisk gently until no dry spots remain. Then, grab a spoon or spatula and fold in diced apples, oats, shredded sharp cheddar, and optional raisins. Expect a sticky, slightly loose dough—that’s perfect!

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Scoop about ¼ cup of dough (roughly 60 grams) and shape rounds roughly ¾ inch thick, like mini burgers. I find using my hands here is easiest to achieve a nice, even thickness. Place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat. They won’t spread during baking, so you can snug them close. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 16–18 minutes until edges brown and you hear a subtle sizzle. Peek underneath one cookie—if it’s nicely browned, you’re good to go. Cool completely on a wire rack before digging in.

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned that shaping these cookies the right thickness and not overcrowding the baking sheet makes a world of difference. Follow these tips for success every time.

Don’t Skimp on Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts better and gives that signature tangy punch.
Dice Apples Small: Tiny pieces ensure apple bursts in every bite and help the dough stick together better.
Use a Silicone Mat or Parchment: Keeps cookies from sticking and lets you bake multiple batches with ease.
Cool Before Eating: They’re quite soft fresh out of the oven, but cooling firms them up and enhances the flavor.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny dusting of cinnamon sugar over the cooled cookies—it’s subtle but adds a warm, sweet finish. For a savory contrast, a light smear of cream cheese on top is divine, boosting both richness and tang.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk or hot apple cider for a comforting snack. They also work surprisingly well alongside a green salad with vinaigrette for a casual lunch that feels special.

Creative Ways to Present

At my last brunch, I arranged these cookies stacked in little towers tied with twine and garnished with thin apple slices and a sprig of rosemary. It made them feel festive and perfect for sharing at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge—they last beautifully for up to a week without losing moisture. I recommend layering them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

For longer storage, I freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then once solid, transfer them to freezer-safe bags. They freeze well for up to a month, making for easy grab-and-go treats anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop one or two cookies into a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly until warm. This brings back that soft, fresh-baked feeling perfectly without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a distinctive tang, you can try mild cheddar, gouda, or even a crumbly feta for different flavor profiles. Just keep the texture similar for best results.

How do I keep the cookies from falling apart since the dough is sticky?

Using diced apples that aren’t too large and properly mixing oats with the wet ingredients helps bind the dough. Also, shaping them firmly in your hands before baking ensures they hold up. Letting them cool completely after baking also helps them firm up.

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

Yes! To make these Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg and replace honey with maple syrup. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend. Cheese can be replaced with vegan cheese alternatives for full vegan adaptation.

What is the best apple to use in this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe?

I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith because they hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sharp cheddar. However, sweeter apples like Gala or Fuji will make the cookie sweeter and softer. Choose based on whether you want more tang or sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-tos because it’s so different yet so comforting. They perfectly straddle the line between snack and meal, sweet and savory, soft and chewy. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch, share them, and experience that little spark of joy every time you bite into one. Trust me, these cookies will find a permanent spot in your baking rotation.