Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Deliciously unique Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies combine the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with sharp cheddar cheese and hearty oats. These soft, wholesome cookies offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet, enhanced with warm nutmeg and natural honey, making them an irresistible snack or breakfast treat.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 13 cookies 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup smooth applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a sheet pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and kosher salt until fully combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the smooth applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended, which will provide moisture and sweetness.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl. Whisk just until there are no visible dry spots, being careful not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Using a spoon or spatula, fold in the diced apples, old-fashioned oats, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and raisins if using. Mix until evenly distributed. The mixture will be sticky and somewhat loose.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out about 1/4 cup (around 60g) portions of dough. Using your hands, gently shape each portion into rounds approximately 3/4 inch thick, resembling small patties. Place them close together on the prepared baking sheet; the cookies will not spread much.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 16 to 18 minutes. Look for browned edges and a sizzling sound. Check underneath a cookie to ensure the bottom is nicely browned. The cookies will still be soft but will firm as they cool.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to one month for longer storage.
Notes
- The apples used can vary; Granny Smith adds tartness while Gala provides sweeter notes.
- Raisins are optional but add a nice chewy sweetness.
- These cookies will be soft after baking but firm up once cooled, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Refrigerate or freeze cookies promptly to maintain freshness.
Keywords: apple cheddar cookies, oat cookies, savory cookies, sweet and savory cookies, snack recipes, healthy cookies