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

There’s something so delightfully unexpected about the combination in this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe. The sweet apples paired with sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled in hearty oats, make for a cookie that’s both comforting and intriguingly flavorful. You’ll find these cookies perfect whether for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

A white plate filled with uneven round cookies made of oats and small orange chunks, each cookie showing a rough and bumpy texture from the oats on the outside, stacked on top of each other in the center of the plate, with two amber-colored drinks in clear glasses on the right side of the frame, all set on a white marbled surface, a bright orange cloth partially visible in the lower right corner, soft natural light casting gentle shadows, 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

I remember making these apple cheddar oat cookies for the first time on a chilly afternoon—my kitchen filled with the warm aroma of nutmeg and apples. The way the sharp cheddar surprises your palate while the oats add a pleasant chew is simply unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite, just like it did in my house.

Balanced flavors: Sweet apples and sharp cheddar create a unique, harmonious taste you don’t get with regular cookies.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need fancy items—just good-quality staples you likely already have in your pantry.
Great texture: The oats lend a nice chewiness, while the diced apples keep each bite juicy and fresh.
Versatile snack: These aren’t just cookies—they work as breakfast, snacks, or even a thoughtful homemade gift.

The image shows a metal cooling rack on a white marbled surface with ten golden brown oatmeal cookies spread evenly across it. The cookies have a textured look with visible oats and small bits of apricot or similar fruit, giving them a slightly bumpy surface. To the bottom left and top right of the rack, there are two small transparent glasses filled with dark amber liquid, likely tea. In the bottom right corner, there is a white bowl full of raw rolled oats. Near the top right, two green apples are placed next to a wooden cutting board with a large knife resting on it. A jar of honey is partially visible at the bottom left, with a wooden honey dipper lying beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is truly in the thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one adds its own character, creating a cookie that’s balanced, flavorful, and wholesome. I like to use fresh apples like Granny Smith or Gala because they hold their texture well and bring just the right amount of tartness or sweetness.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with light beige baking powder, a small white bowl of finely ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl filled with smooth, golden applesauce, a small white bowl with amber-colored honey, a small white bowl containing pale vanilla extract, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a medium fresh Granny Smith apple diced into small cubes with vibrant green skin, a small heap of rolled oats, a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in bright orange, a small white bowl of plump dark raisins, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions 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: Helps give structure without weighing the cookies down.
Baking powder: Adds a slight lift so the cookies don’t turn out too dense.
Ground or grated nutmeg: Gives a warm, cozy spice that complements both apple and cheddar beautifully.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the savory notes from the cheddar.
Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, improving texture without extra fat.
Honey: Natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar.
Vanilla extract: Brings depth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Egg: Binds everything together and helps with tender crumb.
Apple dice (Granny Smith/Gala): Freshness and juicy bursts in every bite.
Oats: Provide heartiness and chewy texture, keeping things interesting.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star savory element that makes this recipe stand out.
Raisins (optional): For a touch of extra sweetness, if you like that contrast.

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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 love playing with this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe to suit whatever mood or occasion I'm in. Sometimes, I swap in dried cranberries instead of raisins for a little zing, or add a pinch of cinnamon to amp up that autumn feel. You really can't go wrong customizing this cookie to your tastes.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is to use smoked cheddar—adds a subtle smoky depth that’s incredible next to the sweet apple.
Gluten-free option: I’ve tried replacing the flour with a gluten-free blend and it works well; just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep the texture there.
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free, which makes it great for sharing with everyone.
Seasonal flair: Try swapping the apple for pear or adding a handful of chopped walnuts for a winter twist.

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

Step 1: Prep and Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Then, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Mixing well here ensures that your spices and leavening agents distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and egg. I find this mix incredibly fragrant, especially with the vanilla melding into the honey and applesauce. It also makes your batter nice and smooth before adding the dry stuff.

Step 3: Blend It All Together

Add your dry ingredients into the wet bowl and whisk until you don’t see any dry patches left. This is a sticky dough, so don’t expect it to be smooth like cookie batter you’re used to. Then, use a spoon or spatula to gently fold in the diced apples, oats, shredded cheddar, and raisins if you’re using them. The mix will be loose but that’s exactly right.

Step 4: Shape Your Cookies

Grab about a ¼ cup of dough using a measuring cup or scoop. Using your hands, form the dough into rounds around ¾ inch thick, like mini burger patties. I find shaping them with hands rather than a scoop gives you better control and the classic cookie feel. These cookies won’t spread during baking, so you can place them pretty close together on your sheet. You should end up with about 13 cookies.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 18 minutes. You'll notice the edges starting to brown and maybe even a slight sizzling sound—that’s the cheddar crisping up nicely. Flip one cookie over after 16 minutes to check the bottom; a nice golden brown indicates they're ready. They will be soft when hot, so cool them completely on a wire rack for the best texture.

Top Tip

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe saved me so many times as a quick breakfast or snack when I was chasing after kids or cramming in work. Here are my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results every single time.

Don’t skip the sharp cheddar: It’s the savory punch that balances the sweetness — mild cheese just won’t cut it.
Dice apples small: I’ve learned that finely diced apple ensures even baking and that juicy burst in every bite without making the dough too wet.
Use parchment or silicone mats: Helps prevent sticking and gives you that nice golden bottom crust.
Cool fully before storing: Warm cookies can sweat and turn soggy if put away too soon.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to serve these cookies plain because the flavors are so robust on their own. But if you want to get fancy, a small drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch for guests. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top before baking for a cheesy crisp shell.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They’re also delightful alongside a sharp cheddar cheese board or a simple green salad if you’re serving them as an appetizer or snack for visitors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fall party, I like arranging these apple cheddar oat cookies on a wooden platter with little bowls of apple butter and honey for dipping. Wrapping a few in parchment with twine makes a charming homemade gift that friends truly appreciate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to a week, and I’ve noticed the flavors even deepen after a day or two. Just make sure they’re fully cooled to prevent any sogginess.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay fresh up to a month — great for quick snacks on busy days.

Reheating

To warm up frozen or refrigerated cookies, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This revives that slight melty cheddar edge and keeps the inside soft and tender. Microwave works too, but watch closely to avoid drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe?

While sharp cheddar cheese is key to the signature savory-sweet flavor in this recipe, you could experiment with other cheeses like fontina or gouda. However, milder cheeses may not stand out as much against the apple and oats.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour and oats. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. This tweak works well without compromising texture.

How do I prevent the cookies from being too wet?

Make sure to dice the apples into small pieces so they don’t release too much moisture during baking. Also, using smooth applesauce helps with moisture control. If your dough feels very wet, a tiny extra sprinkle of oats can help absorb the excess.

Can I omit the raisins?

Absolutely! Raisins are optional and add just a bit of sweet chewiness. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, feel free to skip them; the cookies are still delicious without.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it bridges the gap between sweet and savory in the most satisfying way. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks curiosity, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again — perfect for sharing with family or just enjoying with your favorite cup of tea. I hope you’ll love making and eating these as much as I do!