Easy Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Apple chocolate chip cookies recipe—just the phrase takes me back to the rustle of golden leaves under my boots and the scent of cinnamon floating through Granny Lou’s kitchen. These aren’t just cookies. They’re warm bites of comfort, sweet with memory and melty chocolate, and soft from the apples we picked fresh behind the churchyard fence.

Apple chocolate chip cookies recipe featured image
Chewy, tender apple chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven

There’s something healing about baking with apples—especially when you fold in good chocolate and a little kitchen soul. Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy Sunday or packing them into lunchboxes, this apple chocolate chip cookies recipe blends warmth and flavor with every bite.

And if you’re into baking soulful sweets, you might love my Blueberry Coconut Bars too—another gem from the same pantry of love.

Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with a Taste of Home

Easy Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies

Back in Georgia, fall didn’t sneak in—it waltzed through the kitchen door with a bushel of apples and a breeze that smelled like pecan smoke. That was the time Granny Lou would declare it “cookie season,” and these easy apple chocolate chip cookies were always the first to bake.

She kept things simple. No stand mixer. Just a wooden spoon, a big bowl, and that look in her eye that said, “Darlin’, we’re about to make something that hugs you from the inside.”

That’s the magic of this recipe. You don’t need a ton of fuss. Just a few pantry staples, some love, and the patience to let those apples do what they do best—soften the dough into something tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The apples bring just enough moisture and natural sweetness that even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this cookie won’t let you down.

Chewy Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now, let’s talk texture. If you’re anything like me, you want your cookies with a little give. A soft bite that bends before it breaks. That’s where the oats come in.

See, adding quick oats to these cookies doesn’t just stretch the recipe—it adds body. A bit of chew that makes you stop and savor. And when that oat meets melted chocolate and cinnamon-spiced apple? Lord, have mercy.

The first time I made this version for my nephews, I swear one of them hugged the cookie before biting it. I don’t blame him. It’s got that chewy, golden-brown goodness you dream about, especially when served warm with a glass of Strawberry Mango Banana Smoothie on the side.

Perfectly stacked apple chocolate chip cookies for a cozy moment

Ingredients That Matter

Whole Wheat and Oats for Soulful Texture

Let’s talk ingredients—the kind that turn a good cookie into one that folks remember long after the plate is clean. When I first developed this apple chocolate chip cookies recipe for my nieces, I wanted something hearty but still tender. Something that would hold up in a lunchbox and still taste homemade by the time the school bell rang.

That’s where the whole wheat flour and quick oats came in. I use a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour to keep that soft bite with a touch of nuttiness. The oats bring a rustic chew—like the cookies your auntie used to make on a rainy afternoon.

I’ll tell you something: using unsweetened applesauce or grated apple gives each bite natural sweetness and moisture. It’s the difference between “just okay” and “mama, please bake more.”

And don’t skimp on the cinnamon. A half teaspoon rounds out the chocolate and fruit in the most beautiful, balanced way. If you want a deeper spice note, try adding a pinch of nutmeg too.

If you’re experimenting in the kitchen, consider swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate or chopped walnuts. I’ve even paired this cookie with my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake for a guilt-free treat that feels just right after dinner.

How to Make the Best Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s how we make apple chocolate chip cookies recipe in my kitchen:

Step 1: Preheat with Purpose
Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. While it warms, breathe in that sweet anticipation—this is the part where the house begins to feel like home.

Step 2: Stir from the Soul
In a large bowl, combine 4 oz of unsweetened applesauce with ¾ cup of quick oats. Mix until every oat is glossy and well coated. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest—just like Granny Lou’s old mixing bowl.

Step 3: Fold in the Joy
Add ¼ cup of chocolate chips and stir gently. The chips should nestle into the oats like little surprises waiting to be found.

Step 4: Scoop with Love
Use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop to portion out the dough. Drop onto your baking sheet and press each ball gently into a thick disk. These cookies won’t spread much—how you shape them is how they’ll stay.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Right
Slide that pan into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. When they’re done, let them cool right on the sheet. Don’t rush—good things come when you give them time.

If you prefer a softer, more biscuit-like texture, try using 1 cup of oat flour instead of whole oats and increase the chips to ⅓ cup. Bake a little shorter—just about 10 minutes.

Want more easy sweets that double as breakfast on-the-go? My Strawberry Mango Banana Smoothie is just the thing to pair with these cookies.

Apple chocolate chip cookies cooling on wire rack
Let them cool—the hardest part of the recipe

Baking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that even the simplest recipes carry a whisper of wisdom from every kitchen they pass through. This apple chocolate chip cookies recipe is no different.

Tip 1: Don’t Skip the Shaping

Apple chocolate chip cookies won’t spread while baking, so shape them how you want them to look. Press gently and smooth the edges. I call it cookie sculpting—just a little love pressed into each round.

Tip 2: Want More Sweetness?

While this apple chocolate chip cookies recipe leans gently sweet, you can dial it up. A tablespoon of brown sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even using sweetened applesauce will bump up the cozy factor without overpowering the apple.

Tip 3: Let Them Cool

These cookies finish baking as they cool. Letting them rest on the tray keeps the bottom tender and gives the oats time to settle. Patience is part of the flavor.

Tip 4: Store Smart

Keep your cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft for days. In fact, they’re even better the next morning with coffee or a Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Bar for company.

FAQ: Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Answers

How do I make these cookies more moist?

Use a little extra applesauce (up to 5 oz) or fold in finely diced apple pieces for added juiciness. Make sure not to overbake—pull them once the tops no longer look wet.

Can I make this apple chocolate chip cookies recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Swap out oats for certified gluten-free oats and use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will hold their shape and still be irresistibly chewy.

Can I freeze apple chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely. Flash freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet. Once firm, store them in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 2–3 minutes longer.

Why aren’t my cookies spreading?

This recipe is designed not to spread, giving you control over the shape. Always flatten the dough slightly before baking for best results.

Apple chocolate chip cookie with bite showing soft center
One bite says it all—soft, warm, and full of apple flavor

Conclusion: The Magic of Apples, Chocolate & Southern Soul

Some recipes just feed your belly—but others? They feed your spirit.

This apple chocolate chip cookies recipe is the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall, wraps your heart in something warm, and reminds you that joy can live in the simplest things: a bowl, a spoon, a handful of chocolate chips.

From the first bite, it carries with it the memories of family, slow Sundays, and love that lingers like cinnamon in the air. Whether you’re making a single batch for yourself or a double batch for sharing, you’re not just baking cookies—you’re baking connection.

And if you’re craving something refreshing to sip alongside, I’ve got just the thing: this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake is creamy, nourishing, and downright dreamy with a cookie on the side.

If this recipe made your day just a little sweeter, share it with someone who needs a little comfort in their life. And leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how yours turned out.

Until next time, keep cooking with heart. Life’s not perfect, but it sure can be delicious.

Want more behind-the-scenes bites and real-time recipes?
Come hang out with me on Facebook and Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations!

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Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies


  • Author: Tiffany
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These apple chocolate chip cookies are chewy, tender, and filled with autumn soul. Made with quick oats, applesauce, and just the right touch of cinnamon, they’re the perfect cozy treat for fall afternoons or school lunchboxes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz unsweetened applesauce
  • ¾ cup quick oats
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup oat flour for biscuit texture (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix applesauce and oats until coated.
  3. Fold in chocolate chips and any optional sweeteners or spices.
  4. Scoop 1.5 tbsp portions, press into thick disks, and place on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 13–15 minutes or until tops are set. Cool on the baking sheet.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For added moisture, use diced apples or extra applesauce. These also freeze well—just bake a few extra minutes straight from frozen.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: apple cookies, fall baking, chocolate chip, oat cookies, southern desserts

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