4-Ingredient Apple and Oats Cookies: A Quick and Healthy Snack!

Who doesn’t love a simple, healthy snack that can be whipped up in no time? These 4-ingredient Apple and Oats Cookies are exactly that—a delicious and nutritious treat made with just oats, walnuts, apples, and plant-based milk. Perfect for breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert, these cookies are naturally sweet, crunchy, and satisfying. The combination of oats and apples brings a comforting, familiar flavor that’s reminiscent of apple pie, but without the added sugar or refined flour. Plus, these cookies are vegan and can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs.

Ingredients:

Oats: 1 cup (90 g)
Walnuts: ½ cup (60 g), roughly chopped
Apples: 2, peeled, cored, and grated
Plant-based milk: ⅓ cup (80 mL)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and grate the apples. You want the apples to be finely grated so they blend well with the oats, creating a moist cookie dough. If the apples release too much juice, you can gently squeeze out some of the excess liquid before adding them to the mixture.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grated apples, oats, chopped walnuts, and plant-based milk. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the oats are fully soaked. The mixture should hold together when pressed into a ball.
Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into small balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press them down to flatten into cookie shapes. These cookies won’t spread much during baking, so shape them to your desired size.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips:

Apple Variety: Choose sweet, crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Tart apples like Granny Smith will add a different dimension, making the cookies less sweet and more tangy.
Customization: Feel free to add extra ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a handful of raisins to the cookie dough for added flavor and texture.
Texture Control: If you prefer chewier cookies, add a little more plant-based milk. For crispier cookies, reduce the liquid slightly or bake for a few extra minutes.

Nutritional Benefits:

These Apple and Oats Cookies are packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for a healthy snack. Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. They also provide slow-releasing energy, keeping you full and satisfied for longer. Apples are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting immune health and protecting your cells from damage. Walnuts add a dose of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. The use of plant-based milk makes these cookies dairy-free and suitable for vegans, while also contributing to their overall nutritional profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and versatility. With just four main ingredients, these cookies come together quickly and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy days or when you’re craving something sweet but healthy. The natural sweetness from the apples, the nutty crunch of the walnuts, and the hearty oats create a cookie that’s satisfying and delicious without the need for added sugars or refined ingredients. Plus, they’re easy to customize—whether you want to add spices, mix in dried fruits, or even dip them in dark chocolate, the possibilities are endless.

Dietary Information:

Vegan: These cookies are made with plant-based milk and contain no animal products, making them suitable for vegans.
Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the use of plant-based milk.
No Added Sugar: The sweetness in these cookies comes solely from the apples, with no added sugars or sweeteners.
Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe works because it relies on the natural sweetness and moisture of the apples to bind the oats and walnuts together. The plant-based milk softens the oats, making the cookies tender and chewy, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a balanced flavor and texture that’s both nutritious and delicious. Additionally, the lack of added sugar and flour means these cookies are healthier than traditional oatmeal cookies, yet they still deliver on taste and satisfaction.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these 4-ingredient Apple and Oats Cookies are a delightful and healthy snack that you can feel good about eating. They’re easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a snack to take on the go, or a simple dessert, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. With their natural sweetness, satisfying texture, and nutritional benefits, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Give them a try, and discover how delicious healthy eating can be!