These soft and thick cinnamon apple pie oatmeal cookies taste like Fall in every bite! Loaded with fresh apples, warm spices, and topped with a maple glaze, they’re made with almond flour and are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. The perfect healthy treat!

Easy apple oatmeal cookies
Apple pie is my favorite dessert, so I decided to turn that into a cookie! These apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are a cozy treat that taste just like apple pie.
You only need a few simple, healthy ingredients. The cookies are made with almond flour and rolled oats, which make them extra soft, delicious, and secretly gluten-free.
These apple pie oatmeal cookies are perfect for Fall and Winter. They’re full of warm spices, fresh apples, and the almond flour and oats make them soft and chewy. You will be in and out of the kitchen in 30 minutes with a batch of the most delicious apple pie cookies.
Pair them with hot chocolate, apple cider, or coffee. This recipe has been on my blog since 2020, and they’re still one of my favorites. The perfect healthy dessert!
What makes these cookies healthy?
The word "healthy" can mean different things to everyone, but here’s why I consider these apple pie oatmeal cookies to be a healthy option. First, they’re made with natural, simple ingredients—no preservatives or refined sugars. We use almond flour, which adds healthy fats and makes the cookies gluten-free. Coconut sugar is used instead of regular sugar, so they’re refined sugar-free. Plus, they’re dairy-free because we use coconut oil instead of butter.
Ingredients you'll need
You only need a few basic ingredients for these healthy apple pie oatmeal cookies. I love that they are made with almond flour and oats. These cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar.
- Egg: One large egg to hold everything together.
- Applesauce: Adds extra softness and a boost of apple flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash for added flavor.
- Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil keeps the cookies moist and soft.
- Coconut sugar: A healthier alternative to refined sugar.
- Cinnamon: For those warm, Fall apple pie flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch.
- Rolled oats: If needed, use gluten-free rolled oats for the base of the cookies. Avoid quick oats.
- Almond flour: Keeps the cookies soft and adds healthy fats. Use super-fine almond flour, not almond meal.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- Fresh Apple: Fresh diced apple for that classic apple pie taste.
- Walnuts or pecans: Add crunch with your favorite nuts.
How to make apple pie oatmeal cookies
These soft and cozy apple pie cookies are so easy to make in under 30 minutes. Here are step-by-step instructions and pictures:
Step One: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg. Add the applesauce, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything together with a spatula.
Step Three: Next, add the rolled oats, almond flour, and baking soda. Gently mix until combined. Then, fold in the diced apple and chopped nuts.
Step Four: Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form 18–20 balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Place them on the lined baking sheets. Press down gently to shape them into cookies; they won’t spread much.
Step Five: Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool on the sheets for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While they cool, make the icing in a small bowl. Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the icing on top.
Enjoy your warm apple pie oatmeal cookies!
My top recipe tips:
- Best Apples to Use: I love Honey Crisp, Gala, and Pink Lady Apples. Jonagold, Jonathan, and McIntosh also work well. Avoid Granny Smith apples, as they can make the cookies too tart.
- Use Almond Flour, Not Almond Meal: For a soft texture, use super-fine almond flour. Almond meal can be coarser and may affect the cookie’s consistency.
- Store Properly: To maintain their softness, keep the cookies in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for later!
- Adjust Baking Time: Watch your cookies towards the end of baking, or use an oven thermometer. Ovens can vary, so bake until they're golden brown.
- Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of warm water) to keep the recipe plant-based.
Easy ingredient substitutions
I love these apple cinnamon cookies as they are, but feel free to customize them! Here are some easy substitutions:
- Coconut Sugar: Use light brown sugar in a 1:1 ratio.
- Coconut Oil: Substitute melted coconut oil with melted butter or vegan butter, also 1:1.
- Egg: For a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of warm water).
- Unsweetened Applesauce: You can use sweetened applesauce instead.
- Red Apple: Swap for a green Granny Smith apple or any other red apple you prefer.
- Walnuts & Pecans: If you’re nut-free, just leave out the nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have applesauce?
You can replace unsweetened applesauce with sweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. The flavor will change to banana bread apple cookies.
Can I use a different type of flour?
No, I would not substitute another flour for almond flour. Don’t use coconut flour or all-purpose flour. Stick with almond flour for the best texture.
Can I use a different sweetener?
You can use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar.
Can I make them vegan?
Although I have not tested it, you should be able to use 1 flax egg instead of the regular egg to make these cookies vegan. A flax egg is 1 tablespoon of ground flax meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before adding it to your cookie batter.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Bake until they are golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
How do I store the cookies?
You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage (around 3 months).
If you loved this recipe, try these next!
- Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts
- Healthy Apple Crumble Muffins
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe
- Healthy Apple Pie Granola
- Gluten-Free Apple Cake
- Healthy Apple Crumble
- Air Fryer Apples
- Frosted Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- ½ cup (70g) coconut sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (200g) old fashion rolled oats, gluten-free or regular
- 1 cup (112g) super-fine almond flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup diced red apple, skinless (¼ inch pieces or smaller)
- ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
Maple Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon almond milk or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg.
- Add in unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a spatula until fully combined.
- Add in rolled oats, almond flour, and baking soda. Gently mix with a spatula until fully combined.
- Add in apple pieces and chopped nut of choice.
- Using your hands or a cookie dough scooper, form 18 – 20 balls (about 2 Tablespoons each) and evenly space them across the two lined baking sheets. Gently press down to form a cookie shape (these cookies will not spread a lot).
- Bake for 13 – 15 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 5 - 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, prepare icing in a small bowl. Once cookies are cooled, use a fork to drizzle icing across cookies.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation if you purchase a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Wendy says
Can I use apple butter instead of apple sauce? Don’t have any sauce and I’m dying to try these!! Gonna give it a go with the apple butter, I’m sure they’ll still be delish!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! I have never tried apple butter. Just make sure the dough it not "dry." Please let me know if you try them and they work with apple butter. I can't promise anything 🙂
Cas says
I, and my roommate, LOVED these cookies. And it always feels good when you know you're putting some healthful ingredients into your body. You said for substitutions we could use light brown sugar instead of coconut, so I used unrefined cane sugar (which the package says is made by squeezing and evaporating). I didn't have maple syrup, so instead of an icing, I mixed that unrefined sugar with a little cinnamon and a little cardamom (I really like cardamom) and sprinkled it on top of the cookies before baking. I like apples and really wanted to put more in, but I went by your instructions, was glad I did, and those cookies still have a nice apple taste. They're delicious warm and cool. Thank you!
Hannah says
These cookies are so good! They taste like apple pie and fall. I loved that you didn't use all-purpose flour. Overall 10/10.
Ashley says
MY FAV!!! I love these cookies so much.....
Maggie O'Malley says
these are simply the best healthy cookies. They are such a nice treat to enjoy year round. would absolutely recommend 🙂
Monique says
These cookies can’t be beat! They are so easy to make, and the ingredients are healthy! I’ll be making more meals and baking more goods with these recipes.
Janice Shankman says
Not only did I love these, but so did my non-Celiac friends! A definite keeper. I used one whole Gala apple. I froze the leftover cookies for Thanksgiving. Looking forward to eating and sharing them!
saskia Chermayeff says
Apple Pie is my favorite dessert, so these were the bomb.
Kerea says
My absolutely favorite oatmeal cookie recipe. Who knew apple pie in cookie form would taste so good.
Tati Chermayeff says
So thrilled to hear this, Kerea! You inspired me to make another batch right now.
Grey says
My new favorite cookie recipe!!!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Grey, so happy to hear this! Enjoy 🙂
Reilly Sweeney says
amazing recipe!! so good and guilt free! definitely following for future recipes ❤️
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Reilly! I am so excited that you loved these apple pie cookies; they are my favorite!
Anjali Goyal says
These were amazing !!! Definitely recommend trying them 🙂 I accidentally used sweetened applesauce instead but honestly not complaining because they were so good/sweet
Tati Chermayeff says
So happy to hear this, Anjali! These are my favorite cookies too. Sweetened apple sauce works perfectly too!
Anjali G says
These were amazing !!! Definitely recommend trying them 🙂 I accidentally used sweetened applesauce instead but honestly not complaining because they were so good/sweet
Maggie O’Malley says
Super easy and quick to make and they are definitely my new favorite cookies!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Maggie! So excited to hear you loved this cookie recipe. They are my favorite too 🙂
Bernadine says
Yumm