Apple-Filled Oatmeal Cookies Recipe | Love With Recipes

These delightful apple-filled oatmeal cookies are a nostalgic treat from my cherished Better Homes and Gardens Cookie Cookbook. Perfectly soft and infused with warm spices, they were a favorite in my home while raising my boys and remain a go-to recipe for sharing with loved ones. These cookies combine the wholesome goodness of oats with a luscious apple filling for a treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Apple	1	Peeled, cored, and finely chopped
Raisins	1/4 cup	Optional, but adds natural sweetness
Pecans	1/4 cup	Finely chopped; can substitute walnuts
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup	For the apple filling
Water	2 tablespoons	For simmering the filling
Butter	1 cup	Softened; unsalted is preferred
Brown sugar	1 cup	Packed; light or dark works well
Eggs	2 large	Room temperature
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Sifted for best texture
Baking powder	2 teaspoons	Helps cookies rise
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Enhances flavor
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon	Adds warmth to the cookies
Ground cloves	1/2 teaspoon	For a subtle spice
Milk	2 tablespoons	For moistening the dough
Rolled oats	2 cups	Old-fashioned or quick oats work

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	138.2 kcal
Total Fat	6.4 g
Saturated Fat	3.5 g
Cholesterol	25.8 mg
Sodium	97.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate	18.7 g
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g
Sugars	9.8 g
Protein	2.1 g

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apple, raisins, pecans, granulated sugar, and water.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the apple becomes tender, about 10 minutes.
Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool while preparing the cookie dough.

Make the Oatmeal Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
Stir in the rolled oats by hand to avoid overmixing.
Set aside about 3/4 cup of the dough for topping the cookies later.

Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Using a teaspoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to make a small depression in the center of each cookie.
Fill each depression with a small spoonful of the apple filling.
Top the apple filling with a small amount of the reserved dough, gently pressing it over the filling.

Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

Make Ahead Tip: The apple filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
Storage Suggestions: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variation Ideas: Swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version. Dried cranberries can be used in place of raisins for a tangy twist.

Perfect for Sharing

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a school event, or simply indulging in the comfort of home-baked goodness, these Apple-Filled Oatmeal Cookies are bound to become a household favorite. Bake a batch today and enjoy the cozy, sweet aromas that fill your kitchen!

For more comforting cookie recipes, explore the Desserts section on Love With Recipes. 🍪