These healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are soft, naturally sweet, and packed with goodness so you can feel good serving them any time of day. Because what toddler wouldn't love a cookie for breakfast?!
With just 6 simple ingredients (5 if you want to skip the shredded apple), they’re the kind of snack that feels like a treat but is secretly nourishing. They’re not only toddler-approved, but also a perfect grab-and-go option for nursing mamas who need quick fuel between feedings!
Why You and Your Toddler Will Love These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- cookies for breakfast – fun for toddlers, peace of mind for moms (easy win am I right?!)
- only 6 ingredients – quick, no-fuss, and pantry-friendly
- soft and chewy – perfect texture for little mouths (and nursing mamas who want a quick bite)
- naturally sweetened – no added sugar, just applesauce doing the work
- balanced snack – fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep everyone full and satisfied
These were inspired by my blueberry zucchini oatmeal cookies and chia jam thumbprint cookies, because cookies can be nutritious options in a familiar shape for toddlers!
Jump to:
- Why You and Your Toddler Will Love These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Hint For Soft Oatmeal Cookies
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How To Serve These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Equipment
- Storing Your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies (easy, no added sugar)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make these healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies:
- unsweetened applesauce – keeps cookies soft and moist while adding natural sweetness
- shredded apple (optional) – adds some extra texture, fiber, and vitamin C
- peanut butter – provides protein + healthy fats (swap nut/seed butter for allergies or daycare-safe option)
- rolled oats – whole-grain base for fiber and texture (quick oats make them extra soft)
- hemp hearts – a plant-based boost of protein and omega-3s, I love using Tiny Sprouts for added probiotics + vitamin D + omegas (use code TIFF10 for 10% off!)
- cinnamon – for flavor without the added sugar
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Stir together applesauce, shredded apple, and peanut butter until smooth. Then stir in oats, hemp hearts, and cinnamon until dough is soft but scoopable.
- Step 3: Scoop 1–2 tablespoon portions onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly.
- Step 4: Bake 11–13 minutes until just set. Let cool completely before serving.
Hint For Soft Oatmeal Cookies
Be sure to lightly squeeze out excess liquid from the shredded apple with a paper towel before mixing it in. This helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly.
And don’t over bake these cookies! They’re meant to stay soft and chewy, which makes them perfect for toddlers and babies. They’ll firm up a little more as they cool, so pull them out as soon as the edges look set.
Substitutions
These healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are naturally gluten-free (if using gluten-free oats), dairy-free, and egg-free!
- nut-free: swap peanut butter with sunbutter, granola butter, or tahini for daycare-safe cookies
- no hemp hearts: replace with ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or just add more oats
If you're out of applesauce, then check out my 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies for another easy option!
Variations
You can totally change these oatmeal cookies up by adding different mix-ins in!
- apple raisin cookies: stir in ¼ cup raisins for extra natural sweetness
- apple walnut cookies: add finely chopped or crushed walnuts for crunch (make sure to crush for kids under 4)
- spiced apple cookies: use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a cozy twist
- apple chocolate chip cookies: sprinkle in a few mini chocolate or white chocolate chips
Go check out these blueberry zucchini oatmeal cookies to sneak in some veggies!
How To Serve These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- bite-sized: cut cookies into strips or small chunks for easier bites and less mess
- with a dip: offer alongside yogurt or cream cheese for dipping (toddlers love a dip moment!)
- snack plate style: pair with fruit and cheese for a balanced mini meal
- fun toppings: let toddlers add a few raisins, pumpkin seeds, or mini chocolate chips on top before baking
- breakfast option: call them “breakfast cookies” and serve with milk or a smoothie for an easy morning win
Equipment
All you’ll need for these cookies is a mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir the batter together. A measuring cup and measuring spoons will keep the ingredient ratios just right, and a parchment-lined baking sheet helps the cookies bake evenly without sticking. If you want perfectly shaped cookies, a small cookie scoop makes portioning super quick, but a spoon works just as well.
Storing Your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Keep these healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4–5 days. For longer storage, freeze once cooled in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm for a few seconds in the microwave to soften before serving to toddlers.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
These oatmeal cookies pack fiber from oats and hemp hearts, plus protein and healthy fats from the nut butter. A combo that keeps toddlers full longer (and keeps nursing mamas from crashing between feeds!). Pairing them with fruit adds vitamin C, which helps boost iron absorption from the oats and seeds!
FAQ
Yes! Since they’re naturally sweetened with applesauce and contain no added sugar, they’re baby-friendly. Just be sure use a nut/seed butter you've already introduced!
You can swap with ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or even add extra oats if you don’t have hemp hearts on hand. Hemp hearts add protein, healthy fats, and omegas.
Yes! Just use sunbutter or granola butter instead of peanut butter.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies:
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies (easy, no added sugar)
Equipment
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce use 2/3 cup if not adding shredded apple
- ½ cup shredded apple peeled or unpeeled, finely grated & juice squeezed out
- ½ cup peanut or almond butter sunbutter for daycare-safe
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup hemp hearts
- ½-1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stir together applesauce, shredded apple, and nut butter until smooth.
- Stir in oats, hemp hearts, and cinnamon until dough is soft but scoopable.
- Scoop 1–2 tablespoon portions onto the baking sheet, flatten gently, and bake 11–13 minutes until just set. Let cool completely before serving (they’ll firm as they cool).
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