Apple Cookies Recipe - Easy Fall Dessert

Apple Cookies

Apple Cookies

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: PT0S | Total: 1 hrs | Serves: 20 serving(s) | Cuisine: Cookie Cuisine, Apple Cuisine, Edible Decoration Cuisine, Icing Cuisine, Sugar Cuisine, Oats Cuisine, Spice Cuisine, Cardamom Cuisine, Cinnamon Cuisine, Allspice Cuisine, Nutmeg Cuisine, Soda Cuisine, Milk Cuisine
There's something deeply satisfying about cookies that sneak vegetables into dessert form, and these apple cookies deliver that cozy magic in every bite. Made with generous handfuls of grated Granny Smith apples folded into a buttery oat base spiced with cinnamon and warm apple pie flavors, they're like autumn wrapped in cookie form. You'll love how the natural sweetness from the apples mingles with the rich vanilla and the comforting depth of cinnamon running through each chewy, golden-edged bite. We're talking about a recipe that comes together with ingredients you probably already have on hand—two sticks of butter, a couple of large Granny Smiths, plenty of old-fashioned oats, and that essential cinnamon-sugar warmth that makes everything better. The best part? These apple cookies don't require any fancy techniques or special equipment, just a box grater and your favorite mixing bowl. Whether you're craving something sweet after dinner or need a batch of homemade cookies to share with neighbors, these apple cookies hit that perfect spot between comforting and clever.

Apple Cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 4 Granny Smith apples (approximately 8 oz each), peeled and grated using the large holes of a box grater
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups (160g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • A small pinch of salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1

**Step 1:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt until well combined. While that sits, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together ½ cup of softened butter with ⅓ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer. You’ll know it’s ready when the color lightens and the texture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 2

**Step 2: Cook the Apples** In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add your sliced apples in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they're golden brown around the edges and just starting to soften. You'll know they're ready when a fork slides in easily but they still hold their shape. If the pan starts to look dry, go ahead and add a tiny splash of water to keep things moving.

Nutrition Information

calories: 218 Calories
fat: 10 g
carbohydrate: 30 g
protein: 1 g
fiber: 2 g
sugar: 24 g

Shop This Recipe

My Tip

Grate your Granny Smith apples directly into the wet ingredients—the acid in the apples will help prevent the butter from scorching while the grated texture ensures even distribution throughout the dough.

Leftovers

Store these apple cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to keep the buttery crust from getting soggy—they'll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that just-baked crispness.

Make It Your Own

Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour and add a pinch of ground ginger to the spice mix for a gluten-free, warmly spiced twist that complements the apples beautifully.

#content-type: Expanded Recipe #locale: US #displayType: recipe #shortTitle: Apple Cookies #contentId: 8a43b42f-4aa8-4884-906e-df9277e7deda #subsection: Recipes #collection: Fall Recipes #collection: Latest & Greatest Recipes #collection: Desserts #sponsored: false