If you’re on the hunt for a treat that feels indulgent but actually nurtures your body, this Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend. These soft, chewy cookies bring together the natural sweetness of apples and mashed bananas with the comforting heartiness of oats, creating a snack that’s delightfully wholesome without any added sugar. Vegan, gluten-free, and unbelievably easy to whip up, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go, afternoon pick-me-ups, or a guilt-free dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component adds something special: apples bring juicy sweetness, mashed bananas lend natural moisture and binding power, oats provide chewiness and fiber, cinnamon adds warm spice, and peanut butter offers a creamy, nutty depth.
- 1 large apple (Gala, Fuji or any sweet apple): Use a juicy, sweet apple to naturally sweeten and keep the cookies moist without added sugar.
- 3 tablespoons mashed banana (about ½ ripe small banana): A natural binder that adds subtle sweetness and softness.
- 48 grams (½ cup) gluten free old fashioned rolled oats: Gives the cookies their hearty, chewy texture, and loads of fiber.
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut butter: Adds richness and nutty flavor; adjust amount depending on how much peanut butter flavor you want.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Getting this ready upfront means you can jump straight into mixing without waiting later, which is perfect for a quick cookies session.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
Slice your ripe banana and mash it well in a medium-sized bowl using a fork. This creates a creamy base that helps hold the cookies together while adding natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 3: Grate the Apple
Peel your apple and grate it finely. As you grate, the apple releases some juice — keep that juice with the grated apple as it adds extra moisture and flavor without watery mess. Combine the grated apple and its juice with the mashed banana in the bowl, then sprinkle in your ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend those lovely fruity and spicy aromas together.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Oats
Stir in the peanut butter next, mixing thoroughly so every bite captures that nutty goodness. Finally, fold in the rolled oats, which lend body and chewiness, turning the mixture into a sticky dough ready for baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 1 to 1½ tablespoon-sized balls of the dough. Because the mixture is sticky, flatten each ball gently with your fingers on the baking sheet. Bake for about 14 minutes until the tops feel firm and the cookies no longer stick to the parchment paper. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes — this helps them firm up perfectly while staying soft inside.
How to Serve Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe even more, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a few crushed nuts on top before baking for extra texture and flavor. A light drizzle of natural nut butter or a dusting of powdered coconut sugar after baking can make your cookies look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of almond or oat milk for a wholesome snack. You can also enjoy them alongside a warm cup of herbal tea or your favorite dairy-free yogurt for a balanced breakfast or afternoon treat that’s packed with nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack your apple oatmeal cookies on a rustic wooden board with slices of fresh apple and a small bowl of peanut butter for dipping. They also make fantastic additions to a packed lunch or picnic basket, nestled inside parchment paper sachets tied with twine for a sweet surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your healthy cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and delicious for 2–3 days. This keeps their soft texture intact and preserves their natural flavors without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, so you’ll always have a wholesome snack ready when craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe warm, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes, or microwave for 20 seconds. This revives their softness and brings out the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji are recommended for their natural sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. Just remember that tart apples might change the overall flavor and may reduce the sweetness slightly.
Is it necessary to use peanut butter?
Not at all. Peanut butter gives the cookies a lovely nutty richness, but you can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even a little coconut oil if you prefer. Each swap brings a unique twist to the flavor and texture.
Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Yes! Using gluten-free rolled oats ensures these cookies are safe for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I add sweetener to make them sweeter?
This recipe relies on the natural sugars in apples and bananas, but if you want something sweeter, a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar can be mixed in. Keep in mind this will change the texture slightly and add calories.
How can I make these cookies less sticky?
If your mixture feels too sticky to handle, try refrigerating it for 15–20 minutes before shaping the cookies. This firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and flatten without sticking to your fingers.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. It’s such a joy to enjoy a snack that’s both delicious and nourishing without any fuss or guilt. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a wholesome dessert, these cookies hit just the right note every time. Grab your ingredients, and let’s bake some love into these soft, naturally sweet treats together!
PrintHealthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These healthy apple oatmeal cookies are soft, naturally sweetened with fruit, and perfect for a nutritious snack. They’re vegan, gluten free, contain no added sugar, and are simple to prepare in just under 20 minutes. Using sweet apples like Gala or Fuji, mashed banana, oats, cinnamon, and peanut butter, these cookies are wholesome and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 9 cookies
- Category: Healthy Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 large apple (Gala, Fuji, or any sweet apple, about 114 grams grated)
- 3 tablespoons mashed banana (½ ripe small banana, about 54 grams)
Dry Ingredients
- 48 grams (½ cup) gluten free old fashioned rolled oats (or regular rolled oats if not gluten sensitive)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Others
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mash the banana: Peel and slice the banana, then place it in a medium bowl and mash well with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the apple: Peel and grate the apple directly into the bowl with the mashed banana. Leave the natural juices that come from grating the apple; do not squeeze them out. Add the ground cinnamon and mix well with a spoon or fork to combine.
- Add peanut butter and oats: Stir in the peanut butter, mixing thoroughly, then fold in the rolled oats until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
- Form the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 1 to 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them gently with your fingers to form cookie shapes.
- Bake: Bake for about 14 minutes or until the tops of the cookies are firm and they no longer stick to the parchment paper. The cookies will be soft initially when removed but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack or serving, allowing them to fully set.
Notes
- Use sweet apple varieties like Gala or Fuji for best flavor; avoid tart varieties to keep the cookies naturally sweet without added sugars.
- Adjust peanut butter quantity based on flavor preference: 1 tablespoon for a subtle taste, or 2 tablespoons for a more intense peanut butter flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To enjoy warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F for a couple of minutes.
- Calorie and nutrition estimates are based on using 1 tablespoon of peanut butter per batch.
