Apple Oatmeal Cookies - Lauren's Latest

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

These delicious Apple Oatmeal Cookies are topped with creamy brown butter frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like apple pie meets oatmeal cookie, perfect as a yummy Fall treat!

apple oatmeal cookies stack on a cooling rack

You’ll Love This Recipe!

These Apple Oatmeal Cookies are totally old-school cookies. Like the kind your Grandma would make. Except I frosted them with Brown Butter Frosting. When making these cookies, I ate more frosting than cookie dough. That’s saying a LOT. And just like any other cookie, these are pretty simple to make. And even if you screw them up, the frosting will fix everything. Also, I now believe that Brown Butter Frosting is the key to world peace.

One thing that I love about my readers is that they take my recipes and customize them to suit their wants! Here are a couple of common variations for these apple oatmeal cookies:

Plain: Skip the frosting and enjoy these cookies plain.
Shredded Apple: I diced my apples but if you want to you could shred them. This distributes the flavor and moisture a little better.
Add Nuts: Walnuts to be specific, this sounds so good.
Make Sandwich Cookies: Instead of frosting one cookie, make these into sandwich cookies instead. Kinda like my Oatmeal Cream Pies!

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cookies

For full recipe details, including an ingredients list and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what you can expect when making these cookies:

Preheat Oven + Prep

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Stir in the egg and vanilla.

Slowly incorporate all of the dry ingredients. Stir in the oats and apples.

Bake + Cool

Scoop onto the prepared sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool completely or until warm, your choice!

Make the Brown Butter Frosting

While cookies are baking, place 1/4 cup butter into a small saucepan. With the heat on medium, melt and brown the butter. (If you are unfamiliar with browning butter, I go into more detail about how to and what to watch out for, on my post for Brown Butter Frosting.)

Once the butter is a medium brown/amber color remove from heat and pour into a small bowl. Stir in powdered sugar and enough milk to get a spreadable consistency (add more powdered sugar and milk as needed to get the consistency you like).

Frost the Cookies

Frost warm cookies and sprinkle with more cinnamon, if desired. Serve.

brown butter frosting in a bowl with rubber spatula

adding frosting to a cookie with a spoon

Storing Directions

Because these cookies contain fresh cut apples I’d enjoy and eat them ASAP. However that doesn’t mean you can’t store them for a few days either (up to three days). Be sure to store in an airtight container. You can either leave the cookies unfrosted then frost as you go or separate them with a layer of parchment paper.

To Freeze: Freeze unbaked (dough) or baked (without frosting). Then either pop those suckers into the oven from frozen to bake or thaw and warm up, as desired. I suggest making the frosting fresh for maximum flavor and ease. Freeze for up to three months.

Apple Oatmeal Cookies FAQs

This recipe has been around for a while which means I have some Frequently Asked Questions and answers for you! Read this before making these cookies, m’kay?

I’m nervous about the cookies spreading too much. How can I prevent that?

Cookies usually flatten out because there isn’t enough flour mixed in. It’s a pretty common thing to happen and has to do with how you measure the flour. I suggest doing a tester (bake 1 cookie) to see how they do. If they’re really flat, then add a little more flour, like 1-2 tablespoons. Then test another cookie to see how they bake.

Too much baking soda can flatten cookies too, so make sure you follow the recipe card to a T.

What is the purpose of a silicone baking mat/parchment paper?

I like using parchment paper because it means less dishes! And the Silpat silicone mats are great for cookies. NOTHING sticks to them!

How do I prevent flaky frosting?

As the frosting cools it might develop a hardened, flaky top. This is totally normal for frostings made in a saucepan. However, if you’re looking for a smoother texture, simply allow the browned butter to cool then with a hand or stand mixer, mix it with the other ingredients.

What type of apples should I use?

I used Fuji apples but any apple variety works here. I know some of you are die hard Granny Smith Apple fans when it comes to baking, so use what you like.

Can I use old fashioned oats?

I used quick cooking rolled oats but you could also use old fashioned oats as well.

More Oatmeal Cookies to Try!

We LOVED these Apple Oatmeal Cookies. But, anything could taste good with that frosting slathered all over it. 🙂 Perfect for an evening treat, an after-school snack or to pack in a lunch. If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star review! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

The printable recipe card is below, enjoy!