Name: Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (105 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup smooth applesauce; 1/3 cup honey; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Gala, cut into small dice (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 1/2 cups (155 grams) oats; 1 1/4 cups shredded (105 grams) sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (85 grams) raisins, optional

There's something so cozy about the combination of warm spices, sharp cheddar, and fresh apples all wrapped up in a cookie. That’s exactly what makes this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe shine—sweet, savory, and satisfying every time you bite in.

The image shows a white ridged plate filled with round, thick oatmeal cookies that have a golden brown color with visible oats and small chunks of softer, lighter-toned ingredients mixed inside. Around the large plate, there is part of a smaller white plate with a single cookie, two glasses filled with amber liquid, and an orange cloth on a white marbled surface. The overall scene is bright and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making these Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies for the first time on a chilly afternoon, and the whole house smelled like fall in the best way. These cookies are a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will surprise you and your family in all the right ways.

Unique Flavor Combo: The sharp cheddar cheese cuts through the sweetness of the apples, creating an irresistible sweet-savory cookie sensation.
Hearty & Wholesome: Rolled oats and apples add texture and fiber, making these cookies feel a bit like a healthy treat.
No Fuss Baking: The dough is sticky but manageable, and the cookies hold their shape without spreading, so measuring scoops is easy and mess-free.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a thoughtful lunchbox addition—these cookies adapt to your day.

The image shows a white marbled surface with twelve round oatmeal cookies placed evenly on a metal wire cooling rack, each cookie golden brown with visible oatmeal flakes giving a rough and bumpy texture. To the right, there is a small white bowl filled with dry oats, and next to it are two green apples lying on a small wooden board with a knife on it. There are two glasses filled with a dark amber liquid at the corners of the image, and a honey jar with a honey dipper is visible near the bottom left. The scene is bright and clean with natural light creating soft shadows, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe brings together simple pantry staples with fresh apples and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavor and texture combo that’s both comforting and exciting. Here’s why I love each ingredient:

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl containing baking powder, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a smooth applesauce in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a small white bowl with pale vanilla extract, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a medium Granny Smith apple finely diced with bright green skin, a small pile of rolled oats, a small heap of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in orange-yellow tones, and a small white bowl of plump dark raisins, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s structure and balances out the moisture from the applesauce and diced apple.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift so they aren’t too dense.
Nutmeg: Adds warmth and a subtle spice note that enhances the apple flavor beautifully.
Kosher salt: Elevates all the other flavors, especially the cheddar.
Applesauce: Moistens the dough naturally, reducing the need for added fats.
Honey: Brings gentle sweetness with depth, better than just using sugar alone.
Vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Apple (Granny Smith or Gala): Fresh diced apple delivers juicy bursts and a crisp texture contrast.
Oats: Chewy texture and hearty flavor—plus a bit of fiber for good measure.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star that makes this cookie stand out with its bold tang and creaminess.
Raisins (optional): For those who want an extra touch of chewy sweetness, raisins blend wonderfully here.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often swap apples depending on what’s in season, and sometimes I love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or swapping raisins for dried cranberries.

Variation: When I want a nuttier cookie, I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans—adds crunch and an incredible aroma.
Diet-friendly tweaks: Swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly boost, and choose gluten-free oats and flour to make it gluten-free.
Seasonal spins: During the colder months, I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon alongside the nutmeg to warm it up even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk and Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat—trust me, cleanup is so much easier this way. In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and kosher salt. In a separate large bowl, blend together the applesauce, honey, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Then combine the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until no flour pockets remain. The mixture will still be a bit sticky—that’s totally normal!

Step 2: Fold in the Apples, Oats, Cheddar, and Raisins

Now it’s time for the fun part. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the diced apples, oats, shredded sharp cheddar, and raisins if you’re using them. Make sure everything is well-distributed. The cheese adds creaminess and savory notes that really make these cookies stand out, so don’t be shy with it.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Scoop about ¼ cup of dough for each cookie—this is roughly 60 grams. I like to use my hands to gently shape each scoop into a round, about ¾ inch thick, kind of like making tiny burger patties. They won’t spread while baking, so it’s fine to place them close together on your baking sheet. You'll get around 13 cookies.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 16-18 minutes. You’ll hear a slight sizzling sound near the end—that’s your cue that the cheese is perfectly melted and the cookies are starting to brown. Peek underneath one cookie to see if it has golden spots; that means they’re ready. They’ll feel soft but will firm up as they cool—patience is key!

Top Tip

Over my many batches of these cookies, I’ve learned that a few small tricks make all the difference. These tips have helped me get consistent results that my family loves every time.

Don’t Skip the Parchment or Mat: These cookies have cheddar cheese which can melt and stick, so lining your baking tray is a game-changer for cleanup and presentation.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Mild cheese just doesn’t deliver the signature tangy pop these cookies are known for—sharp cheddar is key!
Gently Fold Ingredients: Handle the dough with care to keep apple pieces intact and distribute the oats and cheddar evenly without over-mixing.
Cool Completely: These cookies firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to eat them right out of the oven—they’ll taste better and hold together nicely once cooled.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Apple Cheddar Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often serve these cookies with a little pat of butter or a drizzle of honey on top for an extra touch of indulgence. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking also brings out the cheddar's flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a hot cup of chai tea or your favorite coffee for a cozy snack. They’re surprisingly great alongside a fresh green salad if you want a light lunch or served with a sharp cheddar cheese plate for a fun twist on dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve these on a rustic wooden board with apple slices, cheese wedges, and a small bowl of honey mustard dip to highlight the savory notes. They also look darling packaged in cellophane bags tied with twine for gifting to friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep really well for up to a week and maintain their texture. Just bring them to room temperature before enjoying for the best experience.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I like to freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. That way, I can easily grab as many as I want without them sticking together. They keep for up to a month in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop a cookie in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm it in a low oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and allows the cheddar flavor to shine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is important in this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe because it adds a distinctive tang and creaminess. Using milder cheeses can alter the cookie’s unique flavor balance, but you could experiment with aged gouda or gruyere for a different twist.

Will these cookies be gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour and oats, which are typically not gluten-free unless labeled as such. To make them gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice.

Can I add nuts to the Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a great way to add crunch and extra flavor. Just fold them in with the oats and cheese before shaping and baking the cookies.

How long do Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cookies last up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Always let them cool completely before storing to maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is one of those kitchen gems you’ll want to make again and again. It’s not just about the cookies themselves, but the memories you create sharing them with family or friends over tea or coffee. I love how each bite offers a little surprise—a burst of apple, a zing of cheese, a hint of spice. Give it a try and let these cookies bring a warm, comforting smile to your day.