Healthy Oatmeal Apple Drop Cookies- Gluten Free, Vegan, & Delicious

First-Please realize that you don't have to be gluten-free to love these oatmeal apple drop cookies! They are for everyone!

There’s something about fall that makes me want to turn on the oven and do a little baking with apple or pumpkin. But here’s the thing — I’m not really much of a baker, so simple has to be the key word for anything I bake.

That’s why I love this really easy oatmeal apple cookies that come together in one bowl, are mixed with just a fork, are dropped by the spoonful on the cookie sheet and baked in about 25 minutes. 

No fancy equipment, no complicated steps — just wholesome ingredients that remind me of autumn. A great cookie to make with kids.

Nutritious As Well As Tasty

I make these nutritious cookies with (certified gluten-free) rolled oats, mashed ripe banana for sweetness, chopped apple, a touch of applesauce, and warm fall spices such as pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. The result is a soft, moist, chewy cookie that’s naturally sweetened and nourishing enough to enjoy as a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a satisfying afternoon snack.

Add-in Whatever You like

And the fun part? You can vary the add-ins each time you bake so you'll never get tired of the basic cookie.  Stir in raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries, chopped walnuts for extra crunch, or  even dark chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for a sweeter dessert-like cookie.

Kids and Adults Love These Cookies

These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults, and I love knowing they’re packed with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients — not just empty calories and lots of sugar like so many cookies out there. 

So now that the weather’s turning cooler, grab a mixing bowl, line a baking sheet with parchment, and let the warm aromas of apple and cinnamon fill your kitchen. In less than half an hour, you’ll have a plate of cookies that taste like fall in every bite. 

Prefer a crisper cookie? - these moist cookies may not be for you but you may like my low carb almond cookies that are very crispy that I used to make when I used to eat eggs. I probably could make them with egg replacer now.

Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Apple Banana Cookies

• One-bowl recipe, no mixer needed

• Gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened

• Soft, chewy, and full of fall flavor

• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep

  
  

  

  Ingredients 

• 2 cups of (Certified gluten-free) rolled oats

• 3 ripe bananas

• 3/4 cup of  diced apple ( I used gala)

• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce if the mixture is too dry.

• 1/2  teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon

  
  

How to Make Oatmeal Apple Banana Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

1. Mash the banana in a bowl 

2. Add oats, diced apple, and spices. Mix with a fork until combined. Add in the applesauce if the mixture is too dry.

3. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, until the bottom is lightly browned and the mixture is firm.

Variations and Add-In Ideas

• For extra chew: raisins or dried cranberries

• For crunch: chopped walnuts or pecans

• For dessert: dark chocolate chips

• For more fruit: extra chopped apples or even some grated orange peel

Storage Tips

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days

• Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container

• Allow to come to room temperature to eat or microwave for 30 seconds if frozen

  What do you prefer? A soft moist cookie or a crisp drier cookie? 

Links to Some of My Favorite Fall Recipes 

Homemade Apple Pie Filling In A Baked Acorn Squash (great) 

My End of Summer Early Fall Recipe Collection

Five Easy Fall Vegetable Recipes

My Notes: 

1. This is a dairy-free, oil-free, gluten-free recipe that also can be made with any rolled oats if you don't need them to be gluten-free.

2. A great healthy grab and go breakfast instead of a muffin

3. If you don't want it as moist, don't store it in a plastic bag.