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 incredibly comforting about the crunch of oats paired with the sweet-tart burst of fresh apple and the surprising, savory zing of cheddar. That’s exactly why this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen—it’s not your typical cookie but totally unforgettable.

A white round plate filled with about a dozen oat and cheese clusters piled unevenly, each cluster showing textures of rolled oats and melted yellow cheese with some lightly browned spots on top, giving a slightly crisp look. Around the plate, there are two clear glasses of amber liquid and a corner of a white plate with a couple of the same clusters visible. The background is a white marbled surface with soft natural light creating gentle shadows. A folded burnt orange cloth is placed in the bottom right corner, adding warmth to the scene. 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 honestly surprised myself with how much I adore these cookies and so will you. The unique combo feels like a secret handshake among cookie lovers who crave something a little different. I’m pretty sure once you take a bite, you’ll want a batch ready to keep on hand.

Unexpected flavor combo: The sharpness of cheddar cheese pairs beautifully with sweet diced apples, creating a cookie that's both savory and sweet.
Great texture balance: Rolled oats provide that chewy bite while apples keep the cookies moist and tender.
Simple and wholesome: Made mostly with pantry staples and natural sweeteners, these cookies feel like a snack you can feel good about.
Perfect for any time: Whether breakfast, snack, or even a light dessert, these cookies fit right into your day.

The image shows a white marbled surface with a metal cooling rack placed on it, holding eleven round cookies made mainly of oats with a golden brown color and slightly crispy texture. Near the rack, there are two clear glasses filled with amber-colored liquid, possibly tea. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with rolled oats and two bright green apples resting on a brown wooden board alongside a knife with a black handle. The lighting is bright and natural, casting soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe has a purpose, working in harmony to create that lovely mix of flavors and textures. Here’s a quick peek at why I trust these staples and what to look for when you shop.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl holding ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl with kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl with honey, a small white ceramic bowl containing vanilla extract, one large whole egg with a clean shell, finely diced fresh green Granny Smith apple pieces arranged neatly, a small pile of oats, a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with shiny raisins, each ingredient fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed 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: The base that holds everything together while keeping the cookie tender.
Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift to keep the cookies from feeling dense.
Nutmeg: A warm spice that complements the apple’s sweetness beautifully.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially balancing the cheese.
Applesauce: Provides natural moisture and a subtle sweetness without extra fat.
Honey: A natural sweetener that brings depth and sticks the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the overall flavor with its fragrant warmth.
Egg: Binds all the ingredients and enriches the dough.
Apple (Granny Smith or Gala): Fresh apple pieces add bursts of juicy freshness and texture.
Oats: Give these cookies their chewy heart and wholesome appeal.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds that unmistakable tang and depth—you'll want to shred it fresh if possible.
Raisins (optional): For a hint of extra sweetness and chewiness, if you’re into that.

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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

I love how this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe invites you to play around with little tweaks—switching up the apple variety or swapping raisins for dried cranberries really makes it your own.

Variation: Once, I swapped Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp and added chopped walnuts; the crunch and extra sweetness totally won over unexpected guests.
Dairy-free option: Try vegan cheddar cheese and a flax egg if you want to keep things plant-based without losing the signature flavor.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can add a new dimension, perfect for cozy fall vibes.

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

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

First, grab a small bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and kosher salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed before you add any wet ingredients. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your cookie’s texture and flavor.

Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients

Next, in a large bowl, whisk the smooth applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is silky and well blended. The honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, so you don’t need extra sugar here.

Step 3: Bring wet and dry together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, whisking until you don’t see any pockets of flour. The dough will be a bit sticky and loose; that’s exactly what you want before folding in those lovely add-ins.

Step 4: Fold in apples, oats, cheddar, and raisins

Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold in the diced apples, oats, shredded cheddar, and raisins if you’re using them. Make sure everything is evenly mixed but avoid over-stirring to keep the texture just right.

Step 5: Shape the cookies

Scoop out a generous ¼ cup of dough (about 60 grams) and use your hands to shape it into rounds around ¾ inch thick—kind of like little burger patties. Arrange them on your lined baking sheet; you should get about 13 cookies. The best part? These don’t spread, so you can place them close together.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll hear a gentle sizzle and notice the edges browning beautifully. Peek underneath one cookie—you want a nice golden bottom to confirm they’re done. Let them cool on a wire rack completely; they’ll firm up as they rest.

Top Tip

After baking these Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe a bunch of times, I picked up a few tricks that really make them shine and help avoid common pitfalls.

Use sharp cheddar: I once tried mild cheddar, and while still tasty, it lacked the punch that makes these cookies special.
Don’t skip the nutmeg: Just a little touch lifts the aroma and ties the apple and cheddar beautifully.
Shape with slightly wet hands: It stops sticking and helps form uniform rounds with less fuss.
Cool completely: These cookies are super soft fresh out of the oven but firm up nicely as they cool, so be patient for the best texture.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

apple cheddar cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually serve these cookies as-is but sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a fancy, savory twist that pops in your mouth. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar works great, too, if you want a sweeter edge.

Side Dishes

They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot black coffee or chai tea. For a fuller snack, I sometimes add a side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey—compliments the cheese perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, I’ve arranged these on a wooden board alongside slices of sharp cheddar and apple wedges for a fun DIY snack board. They also make adorable party favors wrapped in parchment and tied with rustic twine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, and I love grabbing one for a quick, wholesome snack.

Freezing

If I’m making these ahead for busy weeks, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to a month, and I always have delicious snacks on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, I just pop them in the oven at 325°F for about 7 minutes or until warm. The slight toasting boosts their flavor and brings back that fresh-baked vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While sharp cheddar provides the best balance of tangy and savory in this cookie, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or even a crumbly feta for a unique take. Just remember that milder cheeses may change the flavor profile and texture slightly.

Will these cookies be gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour and oats that are not labeled gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats, but keep an eye on texture since gluten-free flours behave differently.

Why don't the cookies spread during baking?

The dough is intentionally a bit loose but dense and shaped into thick rounds which hold their form during baking. The oats and cheese add structure that prevents spreading, so you don’t have to worry about flattening.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can! Substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoon water), use a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese, and make sure your honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave to keep the sweetness vegan. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is close to my heart because it breaks the cookie mold with flavors I didn’t expect but absolutely adore. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something satisfying that’s a little out of the ordinary. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll keep coming back to this delicious combo—just like I always do. Go ahead, give these a try and enjoy the magic of sweet and savory in every bite!