When the fall air turns crisp, and apples are in abundance, there's nothing quite like baking a batch of Rustic Apple Oatmeal Cookies to bring warmth to your home. These cookies blend the comforting textures of oats and the sweet-tartness of apples, creating a treat that's both hearty and irresistibly satisfying.
Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough, ensuring your cookies are tender and flavorful. Make sure it's unsalted so you can control the saltiness of the cookies.
White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, giving the cookies a softer texture.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness. Use large eggs for best results.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding a subtle sweetness.
All-purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the cookies, giving them their shape and texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add a cozy warmth that's perfect with apples.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Rolled Oats: Provide chewiness and a rustic texture that pairs well with the apples.
Apples: Use a firm variety like Granny Smith for a nice tart contrast to the sweetness.
Walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and a bit of nuttiness that complements the apples and oats.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy them warm with a mug of spiced apple cider. For a fun breakfast treat, try crumbling them over a bowl of yogurt.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won't stick and makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer, and it's key to getting that perfect cookie texture.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely aroma and depth to the cookies.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well to ensure everything is combined evenly. You don't want any pockets of flour lurking in your dough!
Now, it's time to add the heart of these cookies. Stir in the oats, apples, and walnuts until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mixture will be quite thick and chunky, which is exactly what you're aiming for.
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded amounts of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies room to spread as they bake. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes transferring them to a wire rack easier. Allow them to cool completely on the rack before diving in.
Share