Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Looking for a delicious twist on classic oatmeal cookies? Try our Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies recipe! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, diced apples, and chopped walnuts, these cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a special occasion, these treats are sure to impress.

Ingredients: Gather Your Essentials

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup diced apple without peel

With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, we’re ready to create a batch of delicious Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies!

How To Make Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies: A Step-By-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven is heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Give them a good mix, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set the bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Sugar and Shortening: In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar and shortening using an electric mixer. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy base for our cookies.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Once the sugar and shortening are well combined, add the eggs to the bowl one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture, creating a smooth and cohesive dough.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: With the wet ingredients mixed, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl, stirring until everything is well blended. This will form the base of our cookie dough.
6. Fold in Goodies: Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, rolled oats, and diced apple pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These tasty additions will add texture and flavor to our cookies, making them truly irresistible.
7. Bake to Perfection: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake. Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Once the cookies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, grab a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage and enjoy these delicious Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of rolled oats in this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats for rolled oats with no significant difference in the final result. Both types of oats will provide a hearty texture to the cookies.
2. Can I use butter instead of shortening?
   While shortening helps create a tender texture in cookies, you can use softened butter as a substitute if preferred. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies may vary slightly.
3. Can I add raisins or dried cranberries to the cookie dough?
   Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite dried fruits to the dough. Raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots would all make delicious additions.
4. How should I store these cookies?
   To keep your Fresh Apple Oatmeal Cookies fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in even more delicious cookies!