4 Ingredient Healthier Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These 4 Ingredient Healthier Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with the wholesome goodness of oats and peanut butter. Made with simple, natural ingredients and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, these cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Apples: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped apples and 1.5 tablespoons of maple syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until the apples release their juices and soften, about 3-5 minutes. Continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a sticky apple mixture. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Process Oats: Add the quick oats to a food processor and pulse on high for about 30 seconds until the oats are finely ground to a flour-like consistency.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground oats, remaining 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and peanut butter. Stir thoroughly with a spatula until the mixture forms a thick, even cookie dough. If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, add a bit more peanut butter or maple syrup until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Form Cookies: Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. Place back on the sheet and flatten each ball with your palm into a 1/2 inch thick disk. Make a large indent in the center of each cookie using your thumb.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon a heaping 1/2 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into the indent in the center of each cookie.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time lets them firm up properly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the apples; they should be soft but still slightly chunky for texture.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup slightly to your taste.
- Use natural peanut butter without added oils or sugars for a healthier option.
- Cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- To customize, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warm spice flavors.
Keywords: apple pie cookies, oatmeal cookies, healthy cookies, peanut butter cookies, maple syrup dessert, easy baking, quick cookies
