Baked apple cookies with chunks of apple stacked on a plate with green apples in the background.
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Soft and Delicious Vegan and Paleo Apple Cookie Recipe

Apple season is among us! This past week I thought I’d tackle a paleo apple cookie recipe! I didn’t want them to JUST have the flavor of apple. I wanted them to have bits of real apple with cinnamon baked into a soft flavorful, grain-free, paleo cookie.

The apple historically symbolizes back to school (here’s an interesting article on its origins!) and the start of autumn. Despite these high temperatures in Indiana, the school year has already begun and fall decorations are popping up everywhere. Soon families will go apple picking and apple pies will appear in the grocery store.

So I set out to make a great paleo apple cookie recipe. My goal: the cookie should remind us of fall at every bite!

I definitely think I achieved that!

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What is this Paleo Apple Cookie Recipe Like?

Don’t let the dense look of the cookie fool you into thinking they’re also dry. These cookies are anything but dry! While they’re packed full of protein and fiber from the almond flour, they’re also soft and light at the same time.

And this wouldn’t be a Well and Well Traveled post without mentioning that these cookies would be great to take on a trip or make upon arrival at a rental home or in a camper this fall!

Diced apples with spices on them in a plan
The dry ingredients pushed to the side in the bowl with the wet ingredients poured in the middle. A spatula ready to mix the paleo apple cookie recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apples: You will probably only need one green apple for this recipe, depending on the size of the apple. You’re welcome to use an apple other than green. I just find green apples give that caramelized apple flavor that is perfect for this recipe.

Almond Flour and Coconut Flour: You’re also welcome to omit the coconut flour and try additional almond flour in its place. I do not, however, recommend increasing the amount of coconut flour, as this will naturally make the cookies dry.

Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Vanilla Extract: These ingredients complement that apple flavor really well. While I’ve not tried it, you may very well be able to substitute honey in place of the maple syrup.

A raw cookie on parchment paper ready to go in the oven
A raw apple cookie, pressed down to flatten it a bit and ready to go in the oven
Baked apple cookies with chunks of apple stacked on a plate with green apples in the background.
The end result, ready to eat!

Now on to the recipe!

Apple cookies on a plate with slices of green apple behind them
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Vegan and Paleo Baked Apple Cookie Recipe

Soft, cinnamon apple cookies with real bits of cooked apple in every bite.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped into quarter inch pieces or smaller (about 1 apple)
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tsp coconut oil
  • 3 cups almond flour <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9PWYCV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N9PWYCV&linkCode=as2&tag=mywebsitebl07-20&linkId=57f43e6d122834e819fe5a2cb66f20d7">Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour, 16-ounce</a>
  • 2 tsp coconut flour Bob's Red Mill, Coconut Flour, 1 lb
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
  • 5 tbsp organic maple syrup
  • 2 tsp coconut oil
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Add the chopped apples, ¾ tsp. of cinnamon, and the 4 tsp. of coconut oil to a pan on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly. Move to a bowl and then let cool (about 10 minutes).
  • Meanwhile, mix almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and the rest of the cinnamon in another large bowl. Whisk until fully mixed.
  • Once the apples have cooled, add maple syrup, 2 tsp. of coconut oil, and the vanilla extract to the cooked apples. Mix fully.
  • Make a well in the middle of the dried ingredients by pushing the flour up to the sides. Pour the wet ingredients into the middle and then begin stirring gently. At first, the dough will seem too dry, but keep working it until it becomes a bit sticky and fully mixed.
  • Break the dough into two piece and place one piece in another bowl. Cover both pieces with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Put parchment paper over the backing sheets before adding the dough. Roll the dough into firm balls about an inch wide, maybe a little more. Press each down gently with the palm of your handing, causing the dough to flatten a bit.
  • Bake on 350° Fahrenheit for 12 minutes or until baked fully. Let cool and then serve!

Looking for other vegan and paleo recipes? Check out our Peaches and Cream Smoothie (Dairy-Free, Paleo, and Vegan). Or, another great paleo recipe that would pair well will these cookies is our Dairy-Free Creamy Italian Chicken and Squash Skillet Recipe. Check it out here!


This soft and delicious vegan and paleo apple cookie recipe is a favorite at our house. We love how easy it is to make; it’s even a great option while traveling! But we most of all love the delicious flavors. Though it’s a great recipe for the fall, we love making it all year round!

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Debbie
2 years ago

5 stars
I can almost taste these just reading the recipe! Yum!

Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com

5 stars
Ooh, apples and caramel – what’s not to like?! I wonder if I’ll ever cook anything ever again?

Marianne
Marianne
2 years ago

I am allergic to apples, but I’m sure I can sub in pears for a very similar outcome! Yum!

Emi Sorensen
2 years ago

These scream fall to me! I just love apples in baked goods.

Cindy Moore
Cindy Moore
2 years ago

5 stars
These cookies look really good! I love the addition of chopped apples.