These Date Apple Cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a better-for-you treat. Plus, you get to customize with your choice of nut butter and apples!

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Why you’ll love these fluffy apple cookies

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, planning a picnic, or just looking for a wholesome treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for them.

• Natural sweetness: The combination of Medjool dates and apples gives these cookies a delightful, natural sweetness without the need for much added sugar.
• Customizable: Whether you’re a fan of different nut butters or apples, this recipe lets you choose your favorites.
• Great for holidays: These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, a spontaneous baking afternoon, or to bring to a holiday party.

Are these apple cookies healthy?

These cookies contain a number of nourishing ingredients like dates, whole wheat flour, and apples.

Dates are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars.

Using whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients compared to regular white flour, making these cookies a healthier choice.

Finally, the star of the show: apples! Apples are not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C and important dietary fiber. Apples are rich in a specific type of fiber called soluble fiber, which research shows helps slow down the digestion process and promotes appetite-suppressing signals in the body. In turn, this leads to feeling fuller and more satisfied for longer. 

What ingredients do you need?

• Medjool Dates: There are all types of dates but I tend to love Medjool for their caramel-like sweetness. Find them in the produce of your grocery store.
• Whole Wheat Flour: This flour adds a nutty flavor and boosts the fiber content. Look for it in the baking aisle.
• Apples: Select firm, fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. We tend to use red apples over green for more sweetness.
• Nut Butter: Opt for a natural, unsweetened version of your favorite nut butter. This adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.

How do you make apple cookies?

These cookies have a few different steps, but come together super quick.

1. Gather your ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure you have all your wet and dry ingredients measured and ready to go, including the Medjool dates, maple syrup, your choice of nut butter, and chopped red apples.

2. Blend wet ingredients

In a blender or food processor, blend the wet ingredients. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your cookies.

3. Combine with dry ingredients

Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. You can either use a hand mixer or a stand mixer like a Kitchenaid. Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped dates to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

4. Scoop and press down

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Space the scoops about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press down on each scoop with your hand or the back of a spoon to flatten them to about ½-inch thickness. This helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic cookie shape.

4. Bake and top

Keep an eye on the cookies, as oven temperatures can vary. Timing wise–8 minutes tends to give a softer cookie, 10 minutes for a soft-crunchy combo, and 12 minutes for a crunchier texture. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, drizzle over a generous amount of date syrup and sprinkle with flakey sea salt.

Recipe tips and tricks

• Serving Tips: Pair these cookies with a glass of almond milk or your favorite herbal tea for a cozy evening snack.
• Troubleshooting Tips: If your dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping.
• Scaling Tips: This recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches.

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, this Date Apple Cookie is completely customizable. You get to choose what type of apples and nut butter you want to use.

• Apples of your choice: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and texture. This is a great recipe to use any that have been sitting in your fridge for a while.
• Nut butter of your choice: Try almond, peanut, or cashew butter to change up the flavor profile. Make sure they’re creamy for the best texture for the dough.

Can I make these date apple cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Simply prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Then, you can scoop and bake when you’re ready. Note: If you’re cooking from the chilled dough, they may take a couple minutes longer to bake.

Can I turn them into cookie bars?

Yes! If you want to make these apple cookies into apple cookie bars, simply add the batter into an 8×8-inch pan and bake for around 30-32 minutes until cooked through.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month.

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

save this lower sugar apple cookies recipe on pinterest:

A big thanks to Cheerful Choices intern Claire for her help testing this cookie recipe!

Want more? Try these other dietitian-approved cookie recipes:

• Strawberry Protein Cookies
• Trail Mix Cookies
• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies