Oh, homemade snacks! Is there anything better? Sometimes I just crave something tasty, you know? Something that’s good for me and doesn’t taste like cardboard. That’s where these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips come in. Seriously, they are my go-to when that sweet, crunchy craving hits. They’re ridiculously simple to whip up, wonderfully healthy, and taste like you spent ages in the kitchen. I first made these for a picnic last fall, not really sure how they’d turn out, and wowza! Everyone devoured them, and I haven’t looked back since. They’re the perfect proof that good-for-you can taste absolutely amazing!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
Honestly, these little chips are a game-changer. You’re going to love them because:
- They’re SO healthy! Packed with oats, whole wheat, and real fruit – way better than store-bought anything.
- Crazy easy to make. Mix, drop, bake. That’s it! Perfect for busy afternoons or when the snack mood strikes unexpectedly.
- The flavor is just *chef’s kiss*. That warm hug of cinnamon and sweet apple in every crispy bite? Pure perfection.
- Super versatile. Eat them plain, dip them, crumble them… they’re great for so many things!
Ingredients for Your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! You probably have most of these in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful little Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips:
1 cuprolled oats (the old-fashioned kind work best!)1/2 cupwhole wheat flour1/4 cuppacked brown sugar (this gives them that lovely caramel-y sweetness!)1 teaspoonground cinnamon (or more if you’re a big cinnamon fan like me!)1/2 teaspoonbaking soda1/4 teaspoonsalt (just to balance everything out)1/4 cupunsalted butter, melted1/4 cupunsweetened applesauce (this is key for moisture!)1/4 cupmilk (any kind will do)1/2 teaspoonvanilla extract1/2 cupfinely diced apple (I love using Honeycrisp or Gala, but your favorite works too!)
Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
You know, getting these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips *just right* is all about a few little details. Trust me, I’ve made them enough times to know! First off, always use good quality rolled oats – none of that instant stuff. It gives them the best chewy-crisp texture. And when you’re mixing the dough, don’t go crazy overmixing it once the wet and dry ingredients meet. Just mix until it’s *barely* combined. Overmixing makes them tough, and nobody wants a tough chip! You can find some extra tips on making them perfectly crispy over on this page, but my personal favorite trick is…
…making sure your diced apples aren’t too big – small pieces bake better and distribute evenly. When you drop them onto the baking sheet, flatten them out nicely with the back of your spoon. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get! And don’t skimp on the baking time if you want them super crunchy. If they still feel a bit soft when they come out, leave them on the hot pan for another 5 minutes; the residual heat does wonders. Finally, let them cool *completely* on a wire rack. I know, it’s the hardest part, but they crisp up so much more when they’re totally cooled. It’s worth the wait, I promise! You can even pop them into a slightly warm oven for a few extra minutes if you’re impatient like me and want that extra crunch!
How to Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips: Step-by-Step
Making these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips is seriously as easy as 1-2-3. And honestly, the smell that fills your kitchen while they’re baking? Pure autumn bliss! So, let’s get started. You can check out the full recipe details if you need a quick reference, but here’s the lowdown on how I make them perfect every time.
Preparing the Dough for Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a nice big bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, give your melted butter, applesauce, milk, and vanilla a good whisk. Now, pour those wet ingredients into the dry stuff and mix everything together *just* until it’s combined. Seriously, no overmixing here! Gently fold in those cute little diced apples next.
Baking Your Delicious Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
Now for the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of your dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of your spoon to carefully flatten each little dollop into a thin chip – the thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get! Leave a little space between them, about an inch, so they bake up nicely. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be a lovely golden brown and the chips to feel firm when you gently touch them. If you want them extra crispy, go for the longer end of that baking time, but keep a close eye on them!
Cooling and Finishing Your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
Once they’re golden and look ready to go, take them out of the oven. Let them hang out on the baking sheet for a few minutes – they’ll continue to crisp up as they cool a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This part is super important for getting that perfect crunch! Trying to eat them when they’re warm will just make them seem a little chewy, but let them get totally cool, and you’ll have yourself some wonderfully crisp chips.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Now, while these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips are absolutely divine just as they are, you know me – I love to play around! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough with the apples for some extra crunch. A pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of ground ginger can also add another layer of cozy flavor. And serving them? Oh, the possibilities are endless! They are fantastic on their own, of course, but I love crumbling them over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt with some fresh berries. They also make a surprisingly delicious topping for mini cheesecakes or a warm fruit crumble. They’re even yummy dipped into a bit of caramel if you’re feeling decadent!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips right is key to keeping that amazing crunch! Once they’re completely cool, and trust me, you really want them *completely* cool, pop them into an airtight container. I usually layer mine between pieces of parchment paper if I’m stacking them, just to make sure they don’t stick together. They’ll stay delightfully crisp at room temperature for about 5 days if you seal them up tight. Honestly, though, they rarely last that long in my house!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Making these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips is pretty straightforward, but here are a few things folks often ask about:
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! I love using Honeycrisp or Gala for their sweetness and texture, but feel free to use your favorite. Just make sure you dice them nice and small so they bake evenly into the chips. Granny Smith will add a bit more tartness, which is also delicious!
How can I make them even crispier?
For maximum crispiness, make sure the chips are rolled oats (not instant!) and flatten them really thin on the baking sheet. Don’t be afraid to bake them for a couple of minutes longer if needed, but watch them closely so they don’t burn. Letting them cool *completely* on a wire rack is the real secret weapon for crunch!
Can I make them gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap out the whole wheat flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Make sure the blend has a binder like xanthan gum, or pop in a little bit yourself. The rest of the recipe stays the same!
Can I add nuts or seeds?
Oh, definitely! If you want to jazz them up even more, fold in about 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or some seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, right along with the apples. They add a lovely extra texture and flavor boost!
Estimated Nutritional Information
These are just estimates, of course, because we all know ingredients can change a bit! But for one of these delicious Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips, you’re looking at roughly:
75 Calories3g Fat(with about 2g of that being saturated fat)1g Protein11g Carbohydrates1g Fiber5g Sugar40mg Sodium1g Unsaturated Fat0g Trans Fat7mg Cholesterol
Pretty great for a totally satisfying snack, right?
Print
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Chips
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 24 chips 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and healthy baked oat chips with apple and cinnamon flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely diced apple
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apple.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each spoonful slightly with the back of the spoon to create thin chips. Leave about 1 inch between chips.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the chips are firm.
- Let the chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can bake them for a few minutes longer, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chip
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
Keywords: baked apple cinnamon oat chips, healthy snacks, homemade chips, oat recipes, cinnamon snacks, apple snacks, easy baking