Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies with oatmeal, applesauce, nuts and spices really remind me of apple pie! These healthy apple oatmeal cookies are one delicious, yet healthy way to eat dessert for breakfast. They are gluten free, refined sugar free, with a vegan option.
Boy oh boy, do you guys love breakfast cookies! And no wonder, so do I. And it seems like making short recipe videos (on Facebook) really helps you find my recipes.
So now, a year after first publishing this recipe, I also made a video for these apple oatmeal cookies (scroll to the top, in case you missed it).
I am leaving the rest of the post as it was. I just thought it was funny that exactly a year later, I am currently again reading the most recent Flavia de Luce novel (Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd).
Original post from October 2015:
Sometimes I act against my own best advice. And, as you can guess, I end up really regretting it. I try to make it a habit to go to bed without my phone under my pillow. The constant stream of social media updates and incoming emails make me feel like I am working 24/7.
Well, technically, with a 15-months-old who still wakes up 2-3 times a night, I am! But I don't want to be working on my business all the time as well.
Alas, our local library back home in Calgary allows me to borrow their ebooks via the OverDrive app. Earlier this year I fell in love with the Flavia de Luce series by Canadian author Alan Bradley. At toddler-tending pace I slowly read through all the volumes as I got access to them. As with printed books, more recent and popular titles I have to put on hold before I can read them.
After a few weeks of waiting time, I finally could borrow the most recent volume in the series (As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust) and there was no way I wasn't going to read another chapter or two before bedtime.
And then I made my fatal mistake. Almost on auto-pilot - without thinking - I checked my emails one last time before putting away the phone. Argh... of course there was this one IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED business email. It was quite upsetting, as it looked like a project I had been working on very hard would require a drastic change of course.
How well do you think I slept after reading that email? First of all, I didn't sleep for quite a while. I managed to resist the urge to send a reply right away, but I wasn't able to put off drafting the answer in my head while precious sleep kept eluding.
Instead of waking up bright and refreshed, I woke up already in 'business mode'. And I didn't like it.
But there was one thing that brightened up my morning. For breakfast, all I had to do was brew myself a coffee. Luckily, I had just baked a batch of these Healthy Apple Cookies the day before. And they were just waiting for me to wake up and enjoy one with a hot cup of coffee.
Make-ahead breakfast is really my most favorite kind. It not only eliminates prep time, but also not a single precious moment goes toward breakfast decision making early in the morning.
The list of benefits with these Breakfast Cookies gets only longer when I tell you that there are really quite healthy:
- gluten free (if using certified gluten-free oats)
- refined sugar free
- there is even an option to make them vegan apple cookies
PLUS: they taste like dessert!
Apple sauce, juicy apple dices, walnuts, raisins, and the spices in these cookies are really reminiscent of delicious apple pie!
After the phenomenal success that were the Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies from last Fall, I set out to create another seasonally-inspired breakfast cookie.
In this newest version I replaced the pumpkin puree with apple sauce, used a slightly different spice mix, and instead of pepitas and dried cranberries as crunchy & chewy add-ins, there are toasted walnuts, raisins and diced apple pieces.
Initially I thought dried apple pieces, like chopped up apple rings would work better than fresh apple. But in my test batch, the dried apple pieces soaked up liquid from the batter. During baking those dried apple pieces really expanded and caused the cookie to crack in those spots.
Rehydrated from the liquid in the cookies, the dried apple pieces tasted almost like fresh apple pieces anyway. From which I deducted, I could just as well use fresh apple dices. Those also don't cause the cookies to crack.
Using toasted walnuts makes for such a great flavor in these cookies. I am not a huge fan of raw walnuts, but toasting (5-10 minutes at 350 F) really brings out their deliciousness. If you absolutely don't like walnuts, pecans make a good substitute.
Store these apple pie oatmeal cookies in an airtight container. For more than 1 day, I put them in the fridge. And if needed, you can also freeze the cookies for later.
VIDEO: How to make Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies
Other Breakfast Cookie Option
If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you will know that I am a huge fan of breakfast cookies. They are just so convenient. Another one of my favorites is this peanut butter banana breakfast cookies recipe.
Random Questions
Yes, fresh apple pieces work well in the breakfast cookies and do not cause cracking during baking. Make sure to dice the apples appropriately to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie batter.
Yes, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for future consumption. This allows you to enjoy them over an extended period, ensuring freshness and maintaining their delightful flavors.
Yes, the apple pie breakfast cookies can be made vegan by opting for vegan-friendly ingredients. By choosing plant-based alternatives and avoiding animal products, you can create a delightful vegan version of these cookies.
Breakfast cookies are designed to be a convenient, on-the-go morning option. They are packed with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, applesauce, and nuts, making them a nutritious and satisfying choice to start your day.
The number of calories in apple pie cookies can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. Typically, these cookies are designed to be a healthier option, incorporating wholesome elements and less refined sugar for a balanced breakfast treat.
Recipe
Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup quick oats
- ¼ cup ground flax seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar or ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 cup diced apple pieces
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans chopped
- ½ cup raisins optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 F.
- In a large bowl stir together old fashioned and quick oats, ground flax, salt and spices.
- In a smaller bowl whisk together eggs, apple sauce, coconut sugar and melted coconut oil. Add to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the diced apple, walnuts and raisins.
- Drop ¼ cup sized portions of batter onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Flatten the cookies slightly, as they won't spread in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
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Nandita Vedantan
What kinds of apples work the best for the Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies? Are there any kinds of apples that should definitely NOT be used?
Jennifer @ Leelalicious
Hi Nandita, you can really use any type of apple you like in these cookies as the baking time isn't very long and the apples shouldn't turn to mush during baking. However, you will likely get the best results from an apple that holds its texture the best after baking such as Cortland, Granny Smith, or Gala.
Kerri
Yum! Just made these without raisins. They came out amazing!
Katherine
I’m making these now! If storing in the fridge, do you eat them cold or heat them up?
Regina | Leelalicious
I've never heated. May have only let to come to room temperature. But I don't think re-heating would hurt in any way
Michelle M Czarka
Would it still work if I used 2 cups of regular oats as I cannot find GF quick oats locally?
Regina | Leelalicious
Regular oats are just a but coarser. They might not stick together as well. You could pulse some of the regular oats in a blender to make them a little finer - more like quick oats. But it might also work with just regular oats
Karen
Could I bake in a pyrex and cut up?
Regina | Leelalicious
Yes, I think you could bake the batter as bars. Baking time will be longer though. And I suggest cutting while still warm
Kyle
Is there any alternative for the maple syrup? Thanks!
Regina
Any liquid sweetener, like honey, agave, date syrup, should work in this recipe. Granulated sweetener might work, although you might need to add a little liquid of sorts to make the cookie batter find together.
Vanessa
Thanks for sharing! Do they freeze well?
Regina
Yes, these freeze really well. So go ahead and make a double batch at once, and freeze half 😉
Suzanne
These look so good! What a great breakfast meal prep for the whole family!
Evelyn Adams
I've been looking for a similar recipe as it is very important for me that the cookies contain fruits. Today I was preparing Apple pie for my family and you know I was very impressed because everyone said in one voice that they want more! Thank you very much for such a good recipe, I will advise it to all my friends. I also want to make Banana muffins, gluten-free. In the picture they look very tasty, I think that will be no less tasty as Apple pie. Here is the recipe(if the administration will see my comment, it would be nice if you did the detailed preparation of this dessert):
2 Eggs
2 Bananas
Coconut milk (liquid) - 1/3 Cup
Coconut flour-1/3 Cup
Soda - 1/2 tsp.
Vanilla extract -1 tsp
Sea salt - pinch
Finely chopped dried fruits, nuts or chocolate 1/2 Cup
Method of preparation:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
Beat eggs, coconut milk, salt, vanilla, bananas with a blender.
Pour the mixture into a bowl. Add coconut flour and baking soda. Mix thoroughly.
Add all other ingredients. Mix again.
Put in a form for cupcakes.
Bake for 20-22 minutes. After cooking, allow cooling for 5 minutes.
Bon Appetit!
ben
There was one thing that brightened up my morning. For breakfast, all I had to do was brew myself a coffee.
Bree
Are the raisins included in the nutrition facts? Thanks!
Susan Writer
It looks very tasty and healthy! I'm a big fan of healthy food especially of those that include apples and oats! Thanks for this gorgeous idea!
Ben
wow what a cool car ! that was a good patty na hate!
Jess
Hello, I really liked your recipe. I come to the gym a couple of times a week , and I would be interested to know how much high-calorie this cookie is?
Recently, I think to create a blog about healthy eating and I want to build my diet correctly. I think this cookie is perfect for people who are watching their figure. I work as a writer and often I sit at the computer, and it is very important for me that the food was not very high-calorie.
Nicole
Is the serving size 1 cookie? Seems rather high in calories as I believe one cookie won‘t be enough 🙂
Regina
They are very large cookies. One will hold you over at least until morning snack. Or have two and that should fill you until lunch
Donna
I need good gluten-free bread and cracker recipes.most are terrible
Megan @ Pip and Ebby
This is just my type of breakfast cookie this time of year! YUM! Great idea adding apples..
Regina
We love this version especially in fall season!
Nicole
Any sub for the flax seed or can I omit?
Regina
The flax provides extra nutrition and helps bind the cookies without flour. Maybe you can use some flour/gf flour blend. Not sure how it would turn out completely just omitting it
Kimberly
I can't even eat gluten free oats. Would puffed rice or amaranth work just as well?
Regina
Sorry, haven't tried to replace the oats in these
Debbi
Hi Regina,,
Could I replace the coconut sugar with Truvia? I believe Truvia has a baking blend also.....I am new to clean eating and these sound fabulous. Could you shed some light on how I would figure out how to make that change or if it's possible?
Thank you!
Regina
Hi Debbi, I don't have experience with Truvia. But this recipe is very adjustable, so I believe a baking blend substitute should work just fine.
Kristen
Hi Regina-
I am thinking of making these to send oversees to a solider. Also looking at your pumpkin breakfast cookie. Any idea how either of them would do wrapped, put in a container and mailed? How long can they last? Thanks.
Regina
Hi Kristen, I commend you for your thought of sending these overseas, but I am afraid these may not be the right type of cookie for this. They are rather high moisture and low sugar, so I believe they are prone to quick spoilage. I never leave mine on the counter for than a few days. Then it's the fridge or freezer. I would suggest some drier cookies with higher sugar content for shipping.
Abby
what is the calorie count per cookie?
Abby
Do you know the nutrition facts for these cookies? calories per cookie?
Regina
Hi Abby, just added the nutritional info to the recipe box.
Antigoni
Can I use honey instead of the sugar?
Regina
Yes you can. Maybe cut back a little on the apple sauce then to keep the liquid ratio in balance
Joyce Cooper
I just printed three of your breakfast cookies. They sound wonderful! I will have to buy a few of the ingredients listed before I can try them, but I keep most of those listed on hand to make Granola.
Thank you for allowing free printing!
Regina
Of course Joyce! I am excited for you to try the breakfast cookies. As a fellow granola lover, I think you will love them as much as we do 🙂
Corey
what do you suggest as a substitute for coconut and nuts .... my friend has very severe allergies
Regina
Any other oil can be used (avocado, light olive, melted butter). Try some seeds instead of nuts, like pumpkin or sunflower would be nice too.
Anna
Do you know the nutrition facts for these cookies? Thanks!
Sharon Knight
Why do you use old fashioned oats and quick oats?
Regina
Quick oats are more 'floury' which helps to bind the ingredients and gives the cookies structure, while old fashioned oats are great for oaty texture. If you don't want to get 2 kinds of oats, you could get pulse old fashioned oats in a blender/food processor to make your own quick oats.
antonia
I had the same question why the old fashioned and quick? Do you mean I can pulse old fashioned oats in a blender/food processor and that will be my own quick oats?? Thanks
Regina
Yes, that's exactly what I mean and what I do here in Mexico where I can't find quick oats. Then again, other readers have said they used all old fashioned oats and it workd fine for them.
Andrea
Are these just as good without walnuts? My husband doesn't like any kind of nut, he's such a picky eater.
Regina
Yes, for your husband they will be just fine without nuts. I add them because I love crunch and contrasting textures in my food, but understand it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Robin @ thebakingexchange
I'm really into breakfast cookies lately also and how to design the recipe yourself, but i may just use yours instead this week for us. Apples are cheap now! Sorry your daughter is still waking up so much... :(. Hang in there, she'll get it soon.
Regina
Ahhh...I really hope so! I can't believe other babies start sleeping through at 6 months