Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful and wholesome treat, combining the chewy texture of oatmeal with the crisp freshness of diced apples and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for any time of the year, these cookies are a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup diced apple (without peel)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Sugar and Shortening:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the white sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins
- Add Walnuts and Oats:
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and rolled oats until evenly distributed.
- Fold in Apples:
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Drop Dough:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Enjoy these delicious Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Apples: Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- Shortening: If you prefer, you can substitute butter for the shortening, but the cookies may spread a bit more.
- Walnuts: For a different flavor, try using pecans instead of walnuts.
Variations
Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
- Add Raisins:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of raisins along with the walnuts and oats for a sweet and chewy addition.
Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
- Add Cranberries:
- Replace the walnuts with 1 cup of dried cranberries for a tart and fruity twist.
Apple Almond Oatmeal Cookies
- Add Almonds:
- Substitute chopped almonds for the walnuts and add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With Beverages
- With Milk:
- Serve with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
- With Tea or Coffee:
- Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
With Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Drop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What if I don’t have shortening? A: You can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of butter or margarine.
Q: Can I add other spices? A: Yes, you can add other warm spices like ground ginger or cloves for additional flavor.
Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful and wholesome treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their chewy texture, fresh apple bits, and crunchy walnuts, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these cookies are easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful cookies with your family and friends!
