Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies Recipe

Alright, friend. You want breakfast that tastes like dessert but still lets you pretend you’re making healthy choices? Say no more. These apple pie oatmeal breakfast cookies are basically the universe saying, “Go ahead, treat yourself… I got you.”

They come together fast, they smell like fall punched you in the face (in the best way), and they’re the kind of grab-and-go magic that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you absolutely do not. Same.

Let’s bake.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

First of all: you get to eat cookies for breakfast. Need I say more?

But okay, fine, here are some bonus reasons:

• They’re soft, chewy, and taste like apple pie had a baby with a warm oatmeal cookie.
• They use simple pantry ingredients—no “organic unicorn dust” required.
• They’re meal-prep friendly (aka you can pretend to be productive once and coast for days).
• They’re idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess them up, and that’s saying something.

Honestly, these breakfast cookies are the culinary equivalent of wearing sweatpants that still look cute. Effortless but impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get your mixing bowl ready—and maybe a snack, because you will want to eat the batter.

• Rolled oats (the classic kind, not the mushy quick ones)
• Whole wheat flour (or all-purpose if that’s all your pantry is offering)
• Brown sugar (for that caramel-y goodness)
• Ground cinnamon (basically the scent of cozy)
• Baking powder
• Salt (just a pinch so everything tastes like something)
• Unsalted butter, melted (liquid gold)
• Applesauce (keeps things moist without making them heavy)
• One egg
• Vanilla extract (because dessert rules apply here)
• A medium apple, diced teeny-tiny
• Optional: chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips if you’re living dangerously

Pro tip: Use a crisp apple. No sad, mealy apples allowed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright chef, let’s do this.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Yes, you must. No, you can’t “let it heat while they bake.”
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes you feel fancy.
3. In a big bowl, mix your oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Talk to the bowl if you want—no judgment.
4. In a second bowl, whisk together melted butter, applesauce, egg, and vanilla. It should smell amazing already.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir until combined. Don’t overthink it.
6. Fold in your diced apples and any optional mix-ins. Try not to eat it raw. I dare you.
7. Scoop the dough into little cookie mounds on your baking sheet. Press them slightly to flatten.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until they look just set and lightly golden.
9. Let them cool for a few minutes… or don’t. They’re your cookies. Live your truth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s prevent cookie disasters, shall we?

• Skipping the preheat. I warned you. Warm-ish ovens = chaos.
• Using quick oats. Unless you want oatmeal mush disguised as cookies.
• Cutting the apples too big. This is a cookie, not a fruit salad.
• Overbaking. These cookies firm up as they cool. Don’t turn them into breakfast hockey pucks.
• Forgetting salt. It feels tiny, but it matters. Trust.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Not everyone keeps a chef-level pantry, I get it.

• No applesauce? Mash a banana. Yes, it’ll taste like banana. That’s life.
• No whole wheat flour? All-purpose is totally fine.
• Gluten-free? Use oat flour or a 1:1 GF blend.
• Want them sweeter? Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Live your best life.
• Hate raisins? Good. Replace them with chocolate chips like a sensible person.
• Nut allergy? Skip the nuts—these cookies are still fabulous.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. They store like champions. Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week—if you don’t eat them sooner.

Can I freeze them?

Yep! Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Warm them in the microwave when you need instant joy.

Can I add protein powder?

Sure, why not? Replace ¼ cup of the flour with protein powder. You’ll feel very accomplished.

Can I skip the sugar?

Technically yes… but why hurt your taste buds like that?

Do these taste like real apple pie?

They taste like the healthy cousin of apple pie—still delicious, just a bit more responsible.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

IMO… don’t. Butter loves you. Butter cares about you.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it: apple pie oatmeal breakfast cookies—the treat that makes mornings feel slightly less chaotic and a lot more delicious.