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 utterly comforting about the blend of sweet apples and sharp cheddar cheese. This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is a little slice of that cozy magic—perfectly chewy, slightly tangy, and bursting with fresh apple bits. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again.

A white plate filled with about a dozen round, bumpy oatmeal cookies with a rough texture from visible oats, the cookies are golden brown with some slightly darker toasted spots on top. The cookies are piled loosely in the center of the plate. To the right, part of a white marbled surface is visible along with two clear glasses filled with amber liquid casting soft shadows. An orange cloth is laid out near the bottom right corner on the white marbled surface. 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 can’t get over how delicious and surprising this combo is. The moment you bite into one of these Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies, you get the warmth of oats, the sweetness from apples and honey, and a buttery sharpness from the cheddar that just rounds everything out perfectly.

Unique Flavor Combo: Sweet apples paired with sharp cheddar give these cookies a delightful contrast that’s unexpected but irresistible.
Wholesome Ingredients: Oats and apples add fiber and texture, making these cookies a little more satisfying than your average sweet treat.
Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques, so you can whip these up quickly even on busy days.
Versatile Snack: These cookies work beautifully for breakfast, snacks, or even a light lunchbox treat.

The image shows a white marbled surface with a metal cooling rack filled with golden brown oatmeal cookies that have a rough, chunky texture from large oat flakes across their tops. There are ten cookies arranged closely on the rack, each cookie round and uneven. On the side, there is a small white bowl filled with light beige rolled oats, two bright green apples near a wooden board with a knife, and two glasses filled with amber-colored liquid. A jar of honey with a honey dipper is also visible near the lower left corner. The lighting is natural and bright, highlighting the warm color of the cookies and the slightly rough texture of the oats. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a special role to create that perfect balance of moist, chewy, and flavorful. Here’s why I love these for this unique Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe—and a few tips for choosing the best versions.

Flat lay of a small heap of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with smooth applesauce, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a single large clean uncracked egg, a white ceramic bowl of rolled oats, a medium apple diced into small cubes showing green and red skin, a small white bowl with plump dark raisins, a small white bowl holding bright orange shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a tiny white bowl containing a light brown ground nutmeg, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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: Acts as the base to hold everything together; I like to sift it lightly for a tender crumb.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift so the cookies aren’t dense or heavy.
Nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and spice that complements the apple perfectly.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cheddar’s tanginess.
Smooth applesauce: Keeps the cookies moist without adding extra fat; homemade or store-bought works great.
Honey: Natural sweetness with floral notes that pairs beautifully with sharp cheese.
Vanilla extract: A tiny splash lifts all the flavors.
Egg: Helps bind and gives structure without making the cookies dry.
Apple (Granny Smith or Gala): Fresh diced apples bring juicy bursts of flavor; Granny Smith gives tang, Gala adds sweetness—choose based on your taste!
Oats: For chewiness and hearty texture; old-fashioned oats work best here.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings a savory twist and richness—go for a good quality aged sharp cheddar.
Raisins (optional): Adds a chewy sweetness; I usually toss in a few but love how they blend naturally.

📝

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 my favorite parts about the Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak a few things depending on the season or what I have on hand, and it always turns out great.

Variation: Sometimes I swap raisins for chopped dried cranberries—they add a lovely tart pop that pairs well with the cheddar.
Dairy-Free Twist: I’ve tried vegan cheddar alternatives and they work surprisingly well if you need a dairy-free version.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger can enhance the apple flavor and warm things up even more.
Texture Change: For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the mixture before baking.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

I always start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. This helps distribute everything evenly so your cookies bake uniformly with that gentle nutmeg warmth peeking through.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate larger bowl, I whisk together the applesauce, honey, vanilla, and the egg until the mixture looks smooth and shiny. This is where your cookies get their tender, moist base.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Next, add the dry mixture into the wet one and whisk just until there are no dry flour spots left. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a bit sticky. Then, fold in your diced apples, oats, shredded cheddar, and raisins if using. This is the part that really makes the cookies feel hearty and flavorful.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Using about ¼ cup of dough per cookie, I shape them with my hands into rounds roughly ¾ inch thick—kind of like making mini burger patties. They won’t spread much, so you can place them close together on your lined baking sheet. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the edges are nicely browned and you hear a little sizzle. You can check the bottoms too—they should be golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before you dive in.

Top Tip

From all my times making this Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe, a few little tricks ensure you get the best cookies every time. I’ve learned the hard way that minor adjustments can make a huge difference in texture and flavor.

Use Sharp Cheddar: Don’t skimp on the cheddar quality—it really shines through and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Don’t Overmix: Mix wet and dry ingredients just enough to combine; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Shape With Wet Hands: To prevent sticking, try wetting your hands slightly before shaping each cookie.
Cool Completely: These cookies firm up as they cool, so give them time on a wire rack to reach the perfect texture.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe

Apple Cheddar Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra shredded sharp cheddar on top right after they come out of the oven for a melty finish, or even a dash of flaky sea salt to highlight the cheese’s tanginess. A tiny swipe of apple butter on the side adds a wonderful sweet contrast if you’re serving them for brunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are stellar with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Sometimes I pair them with a fresh green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. They’re also perfect alongside a sharp cheddar soup or creamy apple cider for a cozy fall spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, I stack the cookies in small bundles tied with rustic twine, including a note about the unique flavors inside. They also make a beautiful addition to a cheese board alongside slices of apples, nuts, and honeycomb—trust me, guests are always impressed by this savory-sweet twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to a week, and I actually enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. Just remember, the chia that the applesauce holds onto keeps everything moist, so they won't dry out quickly.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm for these cookies. I freeze them flat on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. This way, you can take out a few at a time without them sticking together. They freeze well for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the cookies in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until warm. This revives their soft texture and brings out the cheddar’s aroma again without drying them out. Microwaving works too but the oven method is my favorite for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a fantastic tang and depth, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or gruyere. Just keep in mind that milder cheeses might result in less of that characteristic savory kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This swap works well and keeps the cookies deliciously chewy.

Will these cookies be too sweet or too savory?

These Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies strike a great balance between sweet and savory. The honey and apples add natural sweetness, while the sharp cheddar introduces a tangy, savory note. If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add a little extra honey or raisins.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Making the Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe vegan is a bit tricky because of the egg and cheddar cheese. However, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based sharp cheddar alternative. The texture might change slightly but they’re still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Oat Cookies Recipe has found a special place in my recipe box, and I’m so glad I get to share it with you. It’s such a comforting treat that sneaks in wholesome ingredients without feeling like health food. I really think you’ll appreciate how easy it is to pull together and how the flavors just sing. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll soon be baking these as often as I do!