Description
These 4 Ingredient Healthier Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies are a simple and delicious treat that combines tender cooked apples, cinnamon-spiced oats, and creamy peanut butter for a wholesome, naturally sweetened snack. Perfect for a quick breakfast or guilt-free dessert, these cookies feature minimal ingredients and no added refined sugars, using only maple syrup for sweetness. They bake to a soft, chewy texture with a delightful apple filling in the center, offering a comforting apple pie flavor in a convenient cookie form.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 88 g (1 cup – 2 tbsp) finely chopped peeled apples, cut into 1/8 to 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 1/2 tbsp (22 ml) maple syrup
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup – 1 tbsp (64 g) quick oats
- 3 tbsp (44 ml) maple syrup
- 6 tbsp (96 g) unsweetened natural peanut butter with no added oils
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cook Apple Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped apples and 1 1/2 tbsp of maple syrup. Stir frequently to prevent burning and cook until the apples release their juices and soften, about 3-5 minutes. Allow the mixture to reduce until mostly evaporated and sticky. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare Oats: Place the quick oats in a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds until they become very fine and approach a flour-like consistency.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed oats, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and peanut butter. Stir thoroughly with a spatula until evenly mixed and the dough has a thick, cookie-dough texture. If dry or crumbly, add a bit more peanut butter or maple syrup as needed.
- Form Cookies: Use a 1.5 tbsp cookie scoop to portion dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Roll each dough ball into a smooth, round shape with your palms, then flatten into a 1/2 inch thick disk. Press your thumb into the center of each disk to create a large indent.
- Add Apple Filling: Spoon a heaping 1/2 tbsp of the cooled apple filling into the indent at the center of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up before handling or serving.
- Store: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the apple filling is fully cooled before adding to the cookie dough to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- If the dough is too crumbly, adjust by adding small increments of peanut butter or maple syrup until it holds together well.
- Quick oats are preferred for texture and quick processing; old-fashioned oats can be used but may yield a different texture.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days if stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
