Name: Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (105 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup smooth applesauce; 1/3 cup honey; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Gala, cut into small dice (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 1/2 cups (155 grams) oats; 1 1/4 cups shredded (105 grams) sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (85 grams) raisins, optional

Nothing beats the cozy warmth of freshly baked cookies that surprise you with an unexpected twist. This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is exactly that—a delightful balance of sweet apples, sharp cheddar, and hearty oats that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and leaves you craving more.

The image shows a white plate filled with about ten round, golden oatmeal cookies piled on top of each other. The cookies have a rough texture with visible oats creating a bumpy and rustic look. Some spots on the cookies are darker brown, showing where they have baked more. Around the plate are white marbled surfaces with a glass of amber-colored tea on the top right and a folded orange cloth to the right side. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the crumbly texture of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I bake these Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies, the combination of flavors and textures never fails to impress. They’re more than just cookies; they’re a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, with just enough chewiness and a subtle tang that makes each bite exciting.

Unique Flavor Combo: The sharp cheddar and sweet apple blend creates a cookie that's unexpected but utterly delicious.
Quick & Simple: You’ll appreciate how easy this recipe is, making it perfect for a last-minute treat or snack.
Family Favorite: My whole family loves these cookies, whether for breakfast or after school snacks.
Nutmeg & Oat Texture: The nutmeg adds warmth while the oats provide a hearty, chewy bite that feels wholesome.

The image shows a white marbled surface with a cooling rack placed on it, holding ten round oatmeal cookies with a rough texture made from oats, golden brown with some lighter patches. Around the rack, there are two clear glasses filled with amber liquid, a small white bowl full of rolled oats, a wooden cutting board with two green apples and a knife with a wooden handle. The lighting highlights the cookies' crunchy textures and the fresh look of the apples. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of the Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe lies in its grounded ingredients that complement each other beautifully—each one playing a key role in flavor, texture, and balance. Let me walk you through why I love using these specific ingredients and what to look for when shopping.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of smooth applesauce, a small white bowl of honey, a single large whole egg with clean shell, a medium Granny Smith apple diced into small cubes on a white ceramic dish, a small pile of rolled oats on a white plate, a mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on a plain white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with raisins, and a small white bowl containing a mixture of baking powder, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, giving it structure and a tender crumb without overpowering other flavors.
Baking powder: Provides just enough lift so the cookies aren’t dense but still hold their shape well.
Ground or grated nutmeg: Adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs perfectly with apple and cheddar—don't skip it!
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cheese’s tang.
Applesauce: This keeps the cookies moist and imparts natural sweetness; homemade or good-quality store-bought works great.
Honey: A gentle sweetener that makes the cookies deliciously rich without being cloying.
Vanilla extract: Brings depth to the flavor, partnering nicely with the nutmeg and honey.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
Apple (Gala or Granny Smith): Fresh diced apple adds bursts of juicy sweetness and contrast to the cheese’s creaminess.
Oats: Rolled oats deliver hearty texture and chew, plus satisfying wholesomeness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star savory ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor punch.
Raisins (optional): For a bit of extra sweetness and chew—perfect if you like a little candy-like surprise in each bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I've played around with this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe quite a bit, and you can easily adapt it to your liking. Whether it’s tweaking the sweetness or swapping in other add-ins, the cookie dough is forgiving and flexible.

Variation: I’ve swapped raisins for chopped dried cranberries during holiday seasons—adds a lovely tartness that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
For a nut-free option: Skip any nuts or substitutions; the oats and apples provide plenty of texture on their own.
Vegan twist: You can substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg and swap honey for maple syrup, though the texture changes slightly.
Cheese choices: Sticking with sharp cheddar is a must for me, but young cheddar or even gouda can work if you want a milder flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking without extra fuss. Then get all your ingredients measured and ready. Having everything at hand makes the mixing process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. This blends your leavening and spices evenly into the flour so every bite tastes balanced.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and egg until silky smooth. This mix infuses sweetness and moisture that will carry the oats, apples, and cheese.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl, whisking until just combined—no dry streaks. Then gently fold in the diced apple, oats, shredded cheddar, and optional raisins. Expect a sticky, slightly loose dough—that’s perfect!

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using about ¼ cup of dough per cookie, scoop and use your hands to form rounds about ¾ inch thick—think mini burger patties. Place them close on the tray; these cookies won’t spread much. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 18 minutes until edges are browned and you hear a gentle sizzle. Check the bottom for warmth and browning—it’s a great indication they’re just right. Let cool on a wire rack until firm.

Top Tip

I’ve baked these cookies many times, and a few small tweaks really make a difference. These tips will help you get that perfect crisp edge and chewy center every time.

Precise Apple Size: Dice your apple small—around ¼ inch cubes—to distribute moisture evenly and avoid soggy spots.
Don’t Overmix: Fold ingredients gently once the flour is added; overworking the dough can make the cookies tough.
Watch Baking Time: Cookies continue to firm up while cooling, so take them out just as edges brown for soft centres.
Cheddar Quality: Use a sharp, good-quality cheddar for the best flavor—pre-shredded can work, but shred your own if you can.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

apple cheddar cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to dust these cookies lightly with cinnamon sugar right after baking—it adds a little sparkle and amplifies the cozy spice notes. Sometimes I add a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of honey on top when serving for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These cookies are lovely alongside a cup of sharp cheddar cheese soup or a fresh apple cider. If you want a savory-sweet combo, try serving them with roasted turkey or ham sandwiches for an unexpected snack plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve arranged these cookies on a rustic wooden board with slices of apple, chunks of cheddar, and bowls of honey and mustard for dipping. It’s playful and invites guests to build their own flavor bites—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to a week. The chilling even helps deepen the flavors, so they often taste better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully! I flash-freeze the shaped cookie dough rounds on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This restores that freshly baked texture and brings back the melty cheddar flavor without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the apple with another fruit?

You can try pears or even firm diced peaches, which hold up well in baking. However, I recommend sticking to apples for that classic flavor and texture balance.

What kind of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal because it offers a bold flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apple. Mild cheddar won’t deliver the same kick.

Will these cookies be too sweet?

Not at all—the honey and apples provide moderate sweetness, while the sharp cheddar adds savory depth, creating a delightful balance rather than an overly sweet cookie.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe has a special place in my kitchen – it’s like a warm hug in cookie form. Sharing these with friends and family always sparks surprise and delight, and I hope you enjoy baking and eating them as much as I do. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it’ll become one of your trusted go-tos for quick, tasty cookies that feel both nostalgic and refreshing. So go ahead, make a batch, and savor the cozy, complex flavors in every bite!