Name: Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup creamy almond butter; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla paste; 1 cup oat flour*; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup old fashioned oats; 1 cup grated apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith); 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts*; 1/4 cup raisins

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking for a wholesome and delicious start to your morning, this Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe is an absolute game changer. Packed with warm spices, tender apple pieces, and wholesome oats, these cookies bring together all the cozy flavors of fall breakfast in a perfectly portable form. Not only are they quick to whip up, but they also offer a delightful balance of sweetness, texture, and nutrition that will keep you energized well into the day. Whether you’re rushing out the door or craving a comforting snack, these Apple Breakfast Cookies are sure to become your new favorite breakfast tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large beige bowl contains four main layers of ingredients, each taking about a quarter of the space inside. Starting from the bottom left is a layer of light beige rolled oats with a coarse texture. Next to it on the top left is a rough, medium brown layer of chopped walnuts. To the right of the walnuts is a pile of light yellow shredded apple, soft and moist in appearance. Below the apple and slightly overlapping is a heap of dark brown raisins with a wrinkled texture. A woman's hand holding a spatula with a white head decorated by cookie patterns and a wooden handle is resting on the left side of the bowl, touching the oats. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white and brown checkered cloth on the bottom left corner and a small shiny copper cup on the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping the ingredients simple yet thoughtfully selected makes all the difference in this recipe. Each component plays its part, whether adding moisture, flavor, or a little crunch, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying bite every time.

Almond butter (1/4 cup): Provides creamy richness and a subtle nutty flavor that binds everything together.
Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the cookies tender without extra fat.
Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and enhances the autumnal vibe of the cookies.
Large egg (1): Acts as a natural binder and helps the cookies hold their shape while giving a soft texture.
Vanilla paste (2 teaspoons): Lends a rich, fragrant note that complements the spices beautifully.
Oat flour (1 cup): A hearty, wholesome base that keeps the cookies light yet satisfying.*
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with gentle leavening so the cookies rise just right.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a classic fall flavor.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a subtle spicy kick that elevates the taste profile.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a hint of nutty warmth that’s deeply comforting.
Old fashioned oats (1 cup): Adds chewy texture and hearty substance.
Grated apple (1 cup): Fresh apple contributes moisture, natural sweetness, and the star apple flavor—Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are perfect.
Toasted chopped walnuts (1/3 cup): Provide crunch and a toasty note that contrasts the softness of the cookies.*
Raisins (1/4 cup): Bursts of sweetness that complement the apple and spices beautifully.

How to Make Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that are easy to remove.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together creamy almond butter, unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, one large egg, and vanilla paste until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture serves as the flavorful, moist base that blends all your flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Mix

Stir in the oat flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender. Then fold in the old fashioned oats, grated apple, toasted chopped walnuts, and raisins for that perfect textural balance loaded with bursts of flavor.

Step 4: Scoop the Cookie Dough

Use about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie, and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This size ensures that the cookies bake up soft and chewy while still holding their shape nicely.

Step 5: Bake Until Soft and Set

Bake your Apple Breakfast Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them set but still soft to the touch, which keeps them moist and chewy once cooled. Keep an eye to prevent overbaking—the result should be tender with a slight crisp on the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

After pulling the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. By the time they’re cooled, you’ll have a batch of perfectly textured Apple Breakfast Cookies ready to brighten your morning.

How to Serve Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of round oatmeal raisin cookies arranged in a loose pile on a dark metal cooling rack. Each cookie is golden brown with visible oatmeal flakes and dark raisins embedded throughout, giving a rough, textured surface. The cookies have a slightly cracked top, showing a soft and chewy consistency. The white marbled surface beneath the cooling rack adds contrast, while the popcorn of oats and raisins gives depth to the cookies' look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Apple Breakfast Cookies even more inviting, consider a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. Adding a few thin apple slices on the side or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts are charming finishing touches that amplify both appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a truly satisfying breakfast experience. A glass of cold milk or fresh apple cider also complements the spices and apple perfectly, making it a balanced and cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not assemble a breakfast cookie basket? Layer Apple Breakfast Cookies with yogurt and fresh fruit in small jars for a grab-and-go treat. You can also use them as a base for a quick breakfast parfait by crumbling over a bowl of Greek yogurt and topping with honey and cinnamon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Apple Breakfast Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making them ideal for a quick, wholesome breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make a bigger batch or save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked softness and enhances the comforting aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond butter for another nut butter?

Absolutely! Peanut butter or cashew butter can be used as tasty alternatives, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might shift slightly depending on which you choose.

Is oat flour necessary, or can I use another flour?

Oat flour gives these cookies their hearty texture and subtle oat flavor, but you can experiment with whole wheat or spelt flour if needed. Just note it might affect the softness and rise of the cookies.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) and use maple syrup or another plant-based binder. This keeps the cookies moist and delicious.

How do I keep the grated apple from making the cookies too wet?

Using firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith helps prevent excess moisture. Make sure to grate the apple finely and use it immediately to maintain the right balance in the dough.

Are these cookies suitable for a grab-and-go breakfast?

Definitely! They’re perfectly portable and filling, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or midday snacks on the run.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about whipping up a batch of these Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe that brings both warmth and wholesome flavor to your day. Once you try them, you’ll find they quickly become your go-to for a nourishing yet indulgent breakfast treat. I can’t wait for you to taste and share the joy these cookies bring — happy baking and even happier mornings!