Apple-Cinnamon Vegan Cookies (Soft & Spiced) – Cozy Comfort for Your Autumn Table
These vegan, gluten-free apple-cinnamon cookies deliver a soft, spiced bite perfect for cozy evenings or Thanksgiving dessert tables. Pair with chai for the ultimate comfort treat.
Craving a vegan, gluten-free cookie that feels like a warm hug from your grandma? These apple-cinnamon cookies use grated apple and oat flour to create a tender, moist texture that rivals traditional recipes. With zero dairy or eggs, they're a cozy autumn treat that's perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables or cozy evenings with a cup of chai. The grated apple adds natural moisture while the cinnamon and spices create a warm, spiced flavor profile that'll make your kitchen smell like a fall orchard.
Whether you're feeding a vegan family member or just looking for a healthier alternative, these cookies prove that comfort food can be both indulgent and nourishing. The combination of grated apple and oat flour creates a soft, cake-like texture that's perfect for dipping into your favorite autumn beverage. And with a prep time of just 15 minutes, these cookies are ideal for last-minute holiday baking or whenever you need a cozy snack.
What makes these cookies truly special is the way the apple moisture interacts with the cinnamon and spices. The grated apple adds natural sweetness while keeping the cookies moist without any added oil. The oat flour provides a gentle nuttiness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. You'll love how these cookies stay soft for days in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday gift baskets or family gatherings.
This recipe is designed for the cozy food lover who wants to enjoy the flavors of fall without compromising on dietary needs. The gentle spicing and tender texture make these cookies a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults. Plus, with no gluten or dairy, they're a great option for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking to expand their baking repertoire.
Whether you're baking for Thanksgiving, a cozy movie night, or just because, these apple-cinnamon cookies will become a new favorite in your kitchen. The recipe includes helpful tips for achieving the perfect texture, plus variations to keep things interesting throughout the autumn season.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup rolled oats, blended into oat flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine grated apple, oat flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Mix until well combined. Add baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to fully incorporate. If using raisins or walnuts, fold them in now.
💡 Use a silicone spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. The batter will be thick but workable.
- Step 2: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten into a disk shape on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between cookies to allow for spreading.
💡 For extra soft cookies, slightly flatten the dough before baking. For a crispier edge, leave them slightly thicker.
- Step 3: Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
💡 Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
- Step 4: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 For best texture, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Recipe Card
Apple-Cinnamon Vegan Cookies
Soft, spiced vegan cookies made with grated apple and oat flour
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 medium apples, grated
- - 1 cup rolled oats, blended
- - 1/2 cup coconut oil
- - 1/2 cup maple syrup
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - 1 cup almond milk
- - 1 tsp baking soda
- - 1 tsp cinnamon
- - 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- - 1/4 tsp cloves
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 1/4 cup raisins or walnuts (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Dough: In a large bowl, combine grated apple, oat flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Mix until well combined. Add baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to fully incorporate. If using raisins or walnuts, fold them in now.
💡 Use a silicone spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Portion Dough: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten into a disk shape on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between cookies to allow for spreading.
💡 For extra soft cookies, slightly flatten the dough before baking.
Bake: Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
💡 Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 For best texture, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Grated Apple
The grated apple adds natural moisture and sweetness while keeping the cookies vegan and gluten-free. The water content helps create a tender texture without any added fat.
Substitutions: If unavailable, you can use 1/2 cup mashed banana or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce mixed with 1/2 cup water.
Oat Flour
Made by blending rolled oats, oat flour provides a gentle nuttiness and helps bind the dough. It's naturally gluten-free when certified and works well in vegan baking.
Substitutions: You can use 1 cup of all-purpose flour (ensure it's gluten-free if needed) or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Coconut Oil
This adds richness and helps keep the cookies moist. Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor or unrefined for a coconut taste.
Substitutions: You can substitute with 1/2 cup melted vegan butter or 1/2 cup of neutral oil like avocado oil.
Maple Syrup
Provides natural sweetness and helps with browning. Look for pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for best results.
Substitutions: You can use 1/2 cup of another liquid sweetener like agave nectar or date syrup.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple-Cinnamon Cookies
🍂 Apple Prep Tips
Use a fine grater to ensure the apple blends well into the dough. Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel to prevent the cookies from becoming too wet.
🥄 Mixing Technique
Mix the wet ingredients first, then add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as everything is combined.
🔥 Baking Temperature
Preheat your oven fully before baking. For even results, place the baking sheets on the middle rack of your oven.
🥄 Storage Solutions
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months.
Variations & Customizations
Cranberry Twist
Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the dough for a tart contrast to the cinnamon flavor. The cranberries add a pop of color and festive flair.
Spiced Chai Version
Mix in 1/2 tsp of chai spices (cardamom, ginger, cloves) for an extra layer of flavor. These cookies pair perfectly with your favorite chai tea.
Nutty Delight
Fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and richness. The nuts complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Mini Versions
Use a smaller cookie scoop to make mini versions for holiday cookie trays or as a sweet gift. They bake about 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served with:
- Steaming cup of chai tea with a splash of oat milk
- Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks
- Vanilla non-dairy ice cream for a cozy dessert
🍷 Drink Pairings:
These cookies pair beautifully with a spiced chai tea or a sweet dessert wine like late harvest Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling apple cider with a cinnamon stick.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply portion the dough and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for longer storage.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will stay soft and moist when stored properly.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
To refresh the cookies, place them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. They'll regain their soft texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cookies came out dry. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens if the oven was too hot or the cookies baked too long. Make sure your oven is preheated properly and bake for exactly 12 minutes. The cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center when removed.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend if substituting. The recipe is already gluten-free as written.
Q: How can I make these cookies crispier?
A: Bake them for 1-2 minutes longer (total 13-14 minutes) and shape the dough into slightly thinner discs before baking. The extra baking time will dry out the cookies more.
Q: Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Fold in 1/4 cup of vegan chocolate chips or chunks into the dough. The chocolate adds a nice contrast to the spiced flavors.
Final Thoughts
These apple-cinnamon vegan cookies are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall without compromising on dietary needs. Whether you're feeding a vegan guest or simply want to try something new, these cookies prove that comfort food can be both indulgent and nourishing. The combination of grated apple and oat flour creates a texture that's perfect for dipping into your favorite autumn beverage.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings together the best of autumn - the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the comfort of a freshly baked cookie. With no dairy or eggs, they're a great option for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking to expand their baking repertoire. And with a prep time of just 15 minutes, these cookies are ideal for last-minute holiday baking or whenever you need a cozy snack.
Whether you're baking for Thanksgiving, a cozy movie night, or just because, these cookies will become a new favorite in your kitchen. The recipe includes helpful tips for achieving the perfect texture, plus variations to keep things interesting throughout the autumn season. So grab your apron, grate those apples, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate cozy treat!
