Name: Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (105g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups (155g) old-fashioned oats; 1/4 cup smooth applesauce; 1/3 cup honey; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Gala, small diced (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 1/4 cups shredded (105g) sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (85g) raisins, optional

Ingredients

3/4 cup (105g) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup smooth applesauce

1/3 cup honey

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Gala), small diced (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 1/2 cups (155g) old-fashioned oats

1 1/4 cups shredded (105g) sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup (85g) raisins, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375ºF and line a sheet pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, whisk the applesauce, honey, vanilla, and egg until smooth and combined.

Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until there are no dry spots left.

Step 4: Stir in the diced apples, oats, shredded cheddar, and raisins if using, until everything is evenly distributed. The dough will be sticky and slightly loose.

Step 5: Scoop out 1/4 cup portions (about 60g) of dough and shape each into a round approximately 3/4 inch thick using your hands, similar to forming a burger patty. Place the cookies on the prepared sheet pan. You should get about 13 cookies. They will not spread much, so they can be placed close together.

Step 6: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the edges start to brown and you hear a sizzling sound. Check the bottom of a cookie to ensure it has browned. The cookies will be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a slightly different flavor, try swapping sharp cheddar for a milder cheese like gouda or a spicy one like pepper jack.

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1/4 cup or omit the raisins.

Using tart apples like Granny Smith adds a nice contrast to the cheese; sweeter varieties like Gala will create a softer sweetness.

To make these vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup instead of honey, and vegan cheddar cheese.

FAQs

Will these cookies spread much during baking?

No, these cookies are shaped thick and dense, so they hold their form well and do not spread significantly during baking. You can place them close together on the baking sheet.

Can I substitute the apple with another fruit?

Yes, diced pears or even grated zucchini can be used as alternatives, but keep in mind that moisture content may affect dough consistency and baking time slightly.