If you’re looking for a wholesome treat that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, this Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe is just the ticket. These soft and chewy cookies combine the goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of grated apples and a touch of cozy spices, all without any refined sugar. They’re perfect for busy mornings or anytime you need a healthy, satisfying snack that feels indulgent but is completely nourishing. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your breakfast routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits in the center on a white marbled surface, holding five ingredient layers: a bright yellow egg yolk near the top, a dark maple syrup layer spreading unevenly, a light brown almond butter dollop, a golden applesauce portion, and a rich dark brown molasses patch. A silver whisk with thick wires rests inside the bowl on the left side, touching the ingredients. Around the main bowl are five smaller white bowls each filled with different dry and wet ingredients including pale oat flakes, light flour, golden shredded apples, dark brown raisins, and light brown chopped nuts. The scene is bright and well lit, showing all textures clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these delightful Apple Breakfast Cookies couldn’t be easier with ingredients that are simple yet bring layers of flavor and texture to every bite. Each one plays its part—whether it’s binding the dough, adding a nutty crunch, or infusing warm spice notes that complement the fresh apple perfectly.

Creamy almond butter (1/4 cup): Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps keep the cookies soft and moist.
Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup): Contributes natural sweetness and moisture without extra sugar.
Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): A touch of natural sweetness with a hint of caramel that enhances the apple’s flavor.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together for perfect cookie structure.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth that make the spices pop.
Oat flour (1 cup): Offers a tender crumb and boosts the wholesome oat flavor (make your own by processing oats if you like!).
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft and fluffy.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with a classic warm spice vibe.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy sweetness that complements the apple beautifully.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice profile with a hint of nuttiness.
Old fashioned oats (1 cup): Bring chewy texture and wholesome heartiness.
Grated apple (1 cup): Preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Toasted chopped walnuts (1/3 cup): Add a satisfying crunch and toasty flavor contrast.
Raisins (1/4 cup): Provide juicy bursts of natural sweetness inside every bite.

How to Make Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan easily, setting you up for baking success.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the creamy almond butter, unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and silky, creating the moist base that will keep your cookies tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Spices

To the wet mixture, add oat flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and the ground spices: cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir them just until combined. This careful mixing preserves the light texture while allowing the warm spice flavors to mingle beautifully throughout the dough.

Step 4: Fold in Oats, Apple, Nuts, and Raisins

Finally, gently fold in the old fashioned oats, freshly grated apple, toasted walnuts, and raisins. These ingredients bring a wonderful chewiness, a bit of crunch, and natural sweetness that make each bite irresistibly satisfying.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Use about two tablespoons of dough per cookie and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving room to spread slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cookies are set but still soft—this keeps that perfect chewy texture you want.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling lets the flavors settle and ensures the cookies hold together perfectly when you dig in.

How to Serve Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe

A gold baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds six evenly spaced mounds of thick, textured cookie dough. Each dough mound is light brown with visible oats and darker bits that look like raisins or nuts mixed throughout. To the upper right of the tray, there is a white bowl filled with more of the same dough, and a silver ice cream scoop rests inside it. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with a fringed cloth with a brown check pattern partially visible in the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of yum, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over your Apple Breakfast Cookies just before baking, or add a smear of almond butter when serving for a creamy finish. A few thin apple slices on the side make for a fresh, pretty presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a chilled glass of almond milk. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside yogurt topped with fresh fruit or a small bowl of mixed berries. The warmth of the cookies contrasts beautifully with the freshness of fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Create a breakfast cookie platter by stacking these cookies with other breakfast treats like mini muffins, nut butter, and fruit preserves. They also travel well, making them a perfect portable snack for picnics, road trips, or packed lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Apple Breakfast Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making it easy to grab a quick, healthy bite whenever you need it.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag after they’re frozen solid. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies, simply microwave one for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a 300 degree oven for 5 minutes. The warmth brings the spices and apple flavor alive, almost like fresh-baked straight from your kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well. Just choose creamy versions to maintain the right texture.

What if I don’t have oat flour?

No worries! You can make your own by pulsing rolled oats in a food processor until fine, or simply increase the rolled oats for a heartier cookie.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and ensure your maple syrup and nuts are vegan-friendly.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour. Always double-check your labels if you’re sensitive to gluten.

How sweet are these cookies?

They are mildly sweet, relying on natural sugars from the apples, maple syrup, and raisins, making them a perfect guilt-free morning treat.

Final Thoughts

If you want a fuss-free, nourishing breakfast that feels like a cozy treat, you really should try this Apple Breakfast Cookies Recipe. They hit the spot anytime you’re craving something wholesome, flavorful, and just a little bit special. I promise, they’ll brighten your mornings and even sneak in as your new favorite snack companion.