Start your day with a delicious twist on breakfast! Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies combine the flavors of classic apple pie with wholesome oats. They are easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you nourished. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that transforms breakfast into a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
Spices and Seasoning
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup almond butter (or preferred nut butter)
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
– 1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored)
– 1/3 cup raisins or chopped walnuts
I love using simple and healthy ingredients for my Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies. The base starts with rolled oats and whole wheat flour, which give my cookies great texture. Baking soda helps them rise, making them soft and chewy.
Next, I add spices to create that warm, cozy apple pie flavor. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring a lovely taste, while a little salt balances everything out.
For moisture and sweetness, I use unsweetened applesauce and almond butter. Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness. The vanilla extract rounds it all out with a rich aroma.
I often toss in diced apples for a fresh crunch. If you want a little extra, raisins or walnuts make perfect add-ins. They boost flavor and add fun texture. These ingredients come together to make cookies that are not just tasty but also wholesome.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Start by preheating your oven. It helps the cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– Combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats and whole wheat flour. Add baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients well until they blend evenly. This mix gives the cookies their great flavor and texture.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
– Whisk together applesauce, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce and almond butter. Add honey or maple syrup, along with the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. This mix adds moisture and sweetness to the cookies.
Combining Mixtures
– Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix.
– Fold in diced apples and optional add-ins.
Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir well until everything combines. Next, fold in the diced apples. If you want extra flavor, add raisins or chopped walnuts. This step brings in that apple pie taste.
Scooping and Baking
– Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
– Flatten cookies slightly and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the baking sheet. Leave some space between each scoop. Lightly flatten the tops with your spoon. Bake them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown.
Cooling Process
– Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
– Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about five minutes. This allows them to set. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool fully. Enjoy the wonderful smell while they cool down!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cookie Texture
To make your cookies chewy, use less flour. A thicker dough means a crunchier cookie. Try baking your cookies for 12 minutes for chewiness. For a crispier texture, bake them for up to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Substitutions and Alternatives
If you need a nut-free option, swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter. You can also use cashew or peanut butter if you prefer. For sweeteners, replace honey with agave syrup for a lighter taste. Maple syrup adds a nice flavor too.
Dosing and Sizing
For uniform cookies, use a tablespoon to scoop the dough. This ensures each cookie is the same size. If you want to make a big batch, simply double the recipe. Just remember to adjust your baking time based on the size of your cookies.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make these cookies even more fun! Here are a few ideas:
– Add spices like ginger or cloves. These spices bring warmth and depth.
– Try dark chocolate chips for a rich, sweet twist. They pair well with apples.
Dietary Modifications
Need to adapt the recipe? No problem!
– For gluten-free cookies, use oat flour or almond flour. They work great and taste good.
– You can also make them vegan. Just swap the honey for maple syrup.
Mixing and Matching
Don’t be afraid to get creative!
– Use different fruits like juicy pears or mixed berries. They add a fresh taste.
– Experiment with nuts and seeds. Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds give a nice crunch.
Storage Info
Storing Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting dry. Place a piece of bread in the container to help keep cookies soft. Use a container made of glass or plastic with a tight lid. Keep the cookies at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing cookies is easy. Let them cool completely first. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, take out a cookie and leave it at room temperature. For warm cookies, microwave them for about 10 seconds.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, these cookies last about a week at room temperature. You can keep frozen cookies for up to three months. Signs that cookies have gone stale include a hard texture or a dry taste. If they lose their tasty flavor, it’s time to toss them out. Enjoy your fresh cookies while they last!
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free! Use gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour instead of whole wheat flour. You can also try oat flour, which works well.
How can I make these cookies sweeter?
To make the cookies sweeter, you can add more honey or maple syrup. You could also use mashed bananas for natural sweetness. If you like, try adding a bit of brown sugar too.
What is the best way to store Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life. Just let them warm up before serving.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Yes, you can add protein powder! Start with one scoop and mix it into the dry ingredients. Make sure to reduce the flour slightly to keep the texture nice.
How can I serve these cookies as a breakfast option?
Serve the cookies warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pair them with yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. You can also add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
You now have a simple and tasty recipe for Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can customize the flavors and even store them well for later. Remember, perfect cookies start with the right mix of dry and wet ingredients. Try new flavors and adjust to your taste. Enjoy making these cookies as a fun breakfast or snack option!
