Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies

My father doesn't like oatmeal raisin cookies. So I set out to come up with a recipe for oatmeal cookies that used something other than raisins. Luckily, he and I both LOVE cinnamon apple oatmeal, so I had an idea of what I should make. There are a couple different way to make these cookies. They can be made with cinnamon apple instant oatmeal packets or plain oatmeal and chopped up bits of apple.

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies

• 1/4 cup butter if using instant packets, 1/2 cup divided in half if using oatmeal and apples
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 egss
• 2 tablespoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (I prefer kosher)
• 10 packets apple cinnamon oatmeal or 2 cups plain oatmeal
• 2 cups apples
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

If you're using oatmeal and apples, peel your apples, dice them and put them in a pot with half the butter, cooking until soft. If using instant packets, skip this step.

Mix 1/4 cup butter, applesauce, b rown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Mix in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

Mix in oatmeal and apples, or packets. Sometimes at this step I like to chop up a cup or so of dried apple pieces and mix them in for extra apple, but it's not necessary.

Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray and drop tablespoons of batter onto it. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool.

I've made these a number of times now, and I think I might actually prefer them with the instant oatmeal packets. Make sure you've got a big glass of milk ready to enjoy these with!