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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Print
Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 13 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your whole family with these easy apple cheddar oat cookies that combine the sweetness of apples with the tangy sharpness of cheddar cheese. Perfect for breakfast or a wholesome snack, these soft, flavorful cookies are simple to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup (105 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup smooth applesauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Mix-ins
- 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Gala, cut into small dice (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 ½ cups (155 grams) oats
- 1 ¼ cups shredded (105 grams) sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (85 grams) raisins, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a sheet pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the smooth applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and large egg until thoroughly blended.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk together until no dry flour spots remain, forming a sticky batter.
- Add mix-ins: Using a spoon or spatula, fold in the diced apple, oats, shredded cheddar cheese, and raisins if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop ¼ cup portions of dough (about 60 grams) and shape each into a round approximately ¾ inch thick using your hands, similar to forming a burger patty. Place the 13 formed cookies on the prepared sheet pan close together, as they will not spread during baking.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in a preheated oven and bake the cookies for 18 minutes. They are ready when the edges begin to brown, a sizzling sound is heard, and the bottoms show visible browning. The cookies will be soft at this stage but will firm up upon cooling.
- Cool and store: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to one month.
Notes
- These apple cheddar oat cookies are versatile enough for breakfast or a nutrient-packed snack.
- You can omit the raisins if you prefer less sweetness or a different texture.
- Using a sharp cheddar cheese gives a wonderful tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples and honey.
- Ensure the cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 153 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 126 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
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