Oatmeal raisin cookies are a staple recipe for me, one that I make just as often as chocolate chip cookies. Just as you can play around with the different types of chips in a chocolate chip cookie, you can also play around with the fruit in an oatmeal raisin cookie recipe, swapping the dried grapes out for more seasonal fruits when the mood compels you. These Apple Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are inspired by apple pie and are packed with dried apples, pecans and some of the spices that you would typically pair with apples in homemade pies. Unlike a made-from-scratch pie, these cookies are easy to put together and can be eaten straight out of the cookie jar!
The cookies are simple drop cookies, easy to put together in just a few minutes once your butter is softened. It may, however, take a minute or two to prep your dried apples. Dried apples are often sold in rings and are typically available alongside other dried fruit at the grocery store. I cut them into smallish (1/2-inch or smaller) chunks using kitchen shears, which really streamlined the chopping process. The dried apples may try to stick to each other after they have been cut, so take a moment to separate them to prevent them from clumping together in your cookie dough.
I used cinnamon and allspice to compliment the apples, as I usually include them in my apple pies. A pinch of nutmeg could also be added, but I really prefer the complex pepperiness of allspice here, where it goes well with cinnamon, apples, oatmeal and pecans!
The cookies are crisp on the edges and chewy in the center when they come out of the oven. The apples may give them a slightly irregular shape – but I consider that to be part of the charm of homemade cookies. The flavors blend together beautifully, making these cookies very addictive. I bake them just until they turn golden brown at the edges and are just set in the center. If you prefer a crispier cookie, you can bake them a bit longer. Once cooled, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days – or until they’re gone.
Apple Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups oatmeal
3/4 cup diced, dried apples
2/3 cup chopped, toasted pecans
Preheat oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Add in the flour mixture and blend until completely incorporated. Add in oatmeal, dried apples and pecans, then mix until apples and nuts are evenly distributed.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are golden on the edges. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.
What do you think?