Cinnamon Apple Cider Oatmeal Cookies are everything you want in a fall dessert—chewy, spiced, slightly tart, and irresistibly cozy. These cookies combine reduced apple cider with hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and fresh Granny Smith apples for a bite that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or just want something sweet with your coffee, these Cinnamon Apple Cider Oatmeal Cookies hit all the right notes. They’re easy to make, pantry-friendly, and full of texture and flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with warm cinnamon and real apple flavor
- Soft and chewy texture from rolled oats
- Quick to make—ready in just about 30 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
- Perfect for gifting or cozy nights in
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the apple mixture:
- 1 cup finely diced Granny Smith apple (peeled)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Trays
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and light. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until just combined. - Prep Apples
Toss diced apples with lemon juice in a small bowl to prevent browning. - Combine All Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the apple mixture with a spatula until evenly distributed. - Scoop & Bake
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly. Bake for 14–15 minutes until edges are golden and centers look just set. - Cool & Store
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14–15 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 18–20 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Facts (estimated per cookie)
- Calories: 95–105
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
Tips & Variations
- Use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples if Granny Smith isn’t available
- Sub whole wheat flour (minus 2 tbsp) for a nuttier taste
- Add ¼ tsp nutmeg for deeper spice
- Substitute coconut oil for butter to make it dairy-free
- Use dark brown sugar for richer molasses flavor
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the cookies will be softer. Avoid instant oats.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
Use bottled lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake as needed.
Do I need to reduce the apple cider?
This version skips the reduction and relies on fresh apples, but reduced cider can be added for extra intensity—just reduce ½ cup to 2 tbsp and add to wet ingredients.
Cinnamon Apple Cider Oatmeal Cookies
Equipment
- – Mixing bowls
- – Hand or stand mixer
- – Baking sheets
- – Parchment paper
- – Cookie scoop
Ingredients
- **For the dough:**
- – 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- – ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- – ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1 tsp cinnamon
- – ½ tsp baking soda
- – ¼ tsp salt
- – 1 large egg
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- **For the apple mixture:**
- – 1 cup peeled and finely diced Granny Smith apple
- – 2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
- Toss apples with lemon juice.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet, then fold in apples.
- Scoop 2 tbsp dough balls onto trays, flatten slightly.
- Bake for 14–15 minutes. Cool on tray for 5 mins, then transfer to rack.
Notes
– Add chopped walnuts or white chocolate chips for variation
– Let cookies fully cool before storing to maintain texture
Conclusion
Cinnamon Apple Cider Oatmeal Cookies are the ultimate fall treat. They’re chewy, flavorful, and filled with cozy spices and apple goodness. Whether you’re baking for a get-together or just treating yourself, these cookies bring autumn comfort to every bite. Pair with tea, cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the full seasonal experience.