Enjoy the classic taste of apple pie in a wholesome, portable cookie with these Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies. Sweetened entirely with fruit—apples, bananas, and raisins—these cookies contain zero added refined sugar. They are soft, chewy, and spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for toddlers, breakfast on the run, or a healthy afternoon snack, these cookies prove that you don’t need sugar to make a delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
100% Naturally Sweetened
Most cookies rely on brown sugar or maple syrup, but this recipe uses the natural fructose found in ripe bananas and apples. This provides a gentle sweetness that satisfies cravings without spiking blood sugar. It makes them an excellent choice for diabetics, weight watchers, or parents looking to reduce their kids’ sugar intake.
Soft & Chewy Texture
The combination of oats and mashed fruit creates a dense, soft texture similar to a baked oatmeal cup. They aren’t crispy like a biscuit; they are pillowy and moist. The chunks of fresh apple add a lovely bite and burst of juice, while the raisins (or cranberries) offer chewy contrast.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix oats, mashed banana, spices, and vanilla.
- Fold in diced apple and raisins.
- Scoop onto baking sheet and flatten.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until firm. Cool.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Rolled Oats: Instant or rolled oats both work; rolled gives more texture.
Ripe Bananas: Must be spotty brown! They act as the binder and sweetener.
Apples: peeled and diced very small so they cook through. Granny Smith or Fuji are great.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The spices that give the “apple pie” flavor.
Raisins: Adds extra sweetness.
Smart Substitutions
You can use applesauce instead of banana, though the texture will be slightly softer. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and healthy fats. If you need them to be gluten-free, use certified GF oats. You can add a tablespoon of almond butter for extra protein and richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and finely dice the apple. Mash the bananas until smooth.
Mixing Phase
In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the oats soften.
Fold in the diced apples and raisins. The mixture will be wet and sticky.
Baking Phase
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with a fork (they don’t spread). Bake for 15-18 minutes until firm to the touch and slightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Dice the apples small! If the chunks are too big, the cookie will fall apart. Aim for pea-sized pieces. Also, allow them to cool completely. They are quite soft when hot but firm up nicely as they reach room temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is using under-ripe bananas. Green bananas are starchy and not sweet enough. Use the ones you would throw away for banana bread.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Sugar (Natural) | 8g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve warm with a smear of peanut butter or a glass of milk.
Pairing Suggestions
These go great with The BEST Protein Cookies (Banana) for a variety of fruit-based snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Are these crunchy?
No, they are soft and chewy, like muffin tops.
Q2? Can I add sugar?
You can add a tablespoon of honey if you prefer them sweeter, but try them without first!
Q3? How to store?
Fridge is best because of the fresh apple content. Good for 5 days.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies are a guilt-free delight. They capture the essence of fall baking in a healthy, no-sugar package that everyone can enjoy.
