Mediterranean Diet Oatmeal Apple Cookies
Mediterranean Diet Oatmeal Apple Cookies are a wholesome take on a classic treat. They’re lightly sweet, warmly spiced, and built around simple ingredients that align well with Mediterranean-style eating. Instead of refined sugars and heavy fats, these cookies rely on oats, fresh apples, olive oil, and natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup. The result is a soft, chewy cookie that feels comforting without being overly rich. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack with tea, or a lighter dessert you can enjoy without guilt. These cookies prove that eating well doesn’t mean giving up familiar, satisfying flavors.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Yield: 12 medium cookies
Ingredients
Rolled oats, 1 ½ cups
Whole wheat flour, ¾ cup
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon
Salt, ¼ teaspoon
Apple, 1 large, peeled and finely diced or grated
Extra virgin olive oil, ⅓ cup
Honey or maple syrup, ⅓ cup
Egg, 1 large
Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
Chopped walnuts or almonds, ½ cup
Raisins or chopped dates, ⅓ cup
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in the diced apple, nuts, and raisins or dates.
Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Tips
Use rolled oats, not instant, for the best texture.
Grated apple blends into the dough, while diced apple gives small juicy bites.
Choose mild olive oil so it doesn’t overpower the cookies.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
Resting the dough helps prevent dry cookies.
Slightly flattening ensures even baking.
Bake until just set for softer cookies.
Let cookies cool slightly before moving to avoid breaking.
Store completely cooled cookies to maintain freshness.
These cookies taste even better the next day.
Variations
Add orange zest for a fresh citrus note.
Swap walnuts for pistachios for a Mediterranean touch.
Use pear instead of apple for a softer flavor.
Add a pinch of cardamom for warmth.
Replace raisins with dried cranberries.
Use spelt flour instead of whole wheat flour.
Add shredded coconut for texture.
Make them vegan by using a flax egg.
Drizzle with a little honey after baking for shine.
Press sliced almonds on top before baking.
Q & A
Are these cookies very sweet?
No, they’re lightly sweet and balanced by fruit and spices.
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
They spread slightly but mostly hold their shape.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Can I reduce the oil?
You can slightly reduce it, but texture may change.
Are these suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they’re hearty and filling.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, just replace with extra oats if needed.
How should I store them?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can kids enjoy these?
Yes, they’re mild and naturally sweetened.
Are they gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and flour to make them gluten-free.
Nutrition
(Per Cookie, Approximate)
Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Diet Oatmeal Apple Cookies are a smart, satisfying way to enjoy something sweet while sticking to wholesome ingredients. With oats, apples, olive oil, and gentle spices, they feel nourishing and familiar at the same time. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or light dessert, these cookies fit naturally into a balanced Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle and are easy enough to bake any day of the week.