Microwave Oatmeal Cookie is an easy, healthy cookie ready in 5 minutes. Only serves one, allergy friendly, and made with pantry ingredients.
About Oatmeal Cookie in the Microwave
There are times when I want dessert -- and by dessert I almost always mean a cookie -- but making it seems too daunting. Often, I am not in the mood to pull out the mixer or turn on the oven or make a whole batch of cookies just so I can have a sweet treat. So how do I still get my cake cookie and eat it too? I use the microwave to make dessert!
A Microwave Oatmeal Cookie to be exact. This cookie made in the microwave is perfect for those times. It takes less than 5 minutes to make, and it serves only one, meaning you're not making extra cookies you don't need.
Oh and it's whole grain, dairy free, soy free, egg free, nut free, and can be gluten free (depending on the flour you use, taking care to use certified gluten free ingredients), so it's a little more nutritious and everyone can enjoy it!
I don't eat Microwave Oatmeal Cookies only for dessert, though. Like the broiled grapefruit or microwave baked apples, this cookie is good anytime of the day, especially for breakfast paired with a hard boiled egg and a piece of fruit.
Ingredients
Oats: Since you are only "cooking" the cookie for a minute or so, you'll use quick oats. Old fashioned oats might make the cookie a little too chewy; however, you can pulse old fashioned oats in a mini food processor to use. Steel cut oats and instant oatmeal packets will not work for this cookie.
Flour: The cookies in the photos are made with brown rice flour or almond flour, but I normally use white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour. Honestly, any flour will work: brown rice, all purpose, whole wheat, or almond flour.
Baking powder: The baking powder helps give your Microwave Oatmeal Cookie that classic cookie taste; plus, it helps the cookie rise. Look for an aluminum free baking powder when purchasing this baking staple.
Brown sugar: A cookie must have sugar I think. And I like the extra depth of flavor brown sugar adds. Light or dark brown sugar will both work in the recipe.
Cinnamon: Use regular ground cinnamon. I usually add about โ teaspoon because I love cinnamon! But a tiny dash will do. And you can also omit the cinnamon if desired.
Apple sauce: No sugar added apple sauce is the best for this microwave oatmeal cookie recipe; otherwise, your cookie might be too sweet.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is a must in all cookies, in my opinion. It adds a richness that can't be beat. Use pure vanilla extract, not imitation.
Toppings: I prefer this cookie with chocolate chips, but you could certainly use raisins or chopped nuts if that's your thing. Or skip altogether and simply enjoy the oatmeal cookie as is. Additionally, a tiny pinch of sea salt or kosher salt on top is delicious and gives you that sweet-salty taste.
Cost of Recipe
- quick oats ยผ cup: $0.14
- flour 2 teaspoons: $0.01
- baking powder ยผ teaspoon: $0.01
- brown sugar 1 teaspoon: $0.01
- cinnamon 1/16 teaspoon: $0.01
- applesauce 2 tablespoons: $0.10
- vanilla extract ยผ teaspoon: $0.08
- chocolate chips ยฝ tablespoon: $0.05
- avocado oil โ teaspoon: $0.01
TOTAL COST: $0.42 (Based on San Diego Sprouts 2020) for the entire recipe
How to Make a Microwave Oatmeal Cookie
- Add the oats, flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a bowl.
- Stir together.
- Pour in apple sauce, and stir.
- Add in vanilla extract.
- Stir.
- Add in chocolate chips, and stir.
- Lightly coat a microwave safe plate or bowl with oil. Shape the cookie onto the plate.
- Microwave. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Variations
Ingredient Options
Sugar: Any sugar will work. Light or dark brown sugar, or use granulated sugar. Another option is to use maple syrup, but cut back a little on the applesauce so the cookie isn't too mushy.
Flour: Pretty much any flour can be used, and I've tested it with multiple types. You might need to add more flour than called for or add additional apple sauce depending on the consistency of the cookie, but it will work no matter what you use.
Additional ingredients: You can use chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or any other optional filling to the cookies as you wish. I recommend using about ยฝ to 1 tablespoon per cookie.
How to Make Allergy Friendly
This oatmeal cookie in the microwave is naturally vegan, dairy free, egg free, soy free, and can be gluten free depending on the flour & oats you use.
Flavor Substitutions
You can omit the cinnamon to make a more basic oatmeal cookie.
How to Fix a Mistake
Cookie dough too wet: Add a little extra flour or oats. Stir in a little bit at a time.
Dough too dry: Add a little extra apple sauce or water. Start with very small amounts and increase as needed.
Make Ahead Ideas
There's no need to make this ahead of time since it takes about 5 minutes to make.
Storage Suggestions
Since this cookie only serves one, you likely won't need to store this. But you can keep in an airtight bag or container in the fridge if desired. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave to warm up if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really make a cookie in the microwave?
Yes, you can! Let's be honest, this doesn't have the exact same texture as a cookie made in the oven with butter, flour, sugar and eggs. But it is sweet and hits the spot when you want dessert without much effort.
Nutrition Benefits
Unlike most cookies, this Microwave Oatmeal Cookie is very low in added sugar (with only 1 teaspoon) and is higher in fiber (with 3g per cookie). So it's a great option when you want something sweet without a sugar crash.
The oats provide fiber which can help lower bad cholesterol, help regulate digestion, and keep you satisfied for longer.
What to Serve with Microwave Oatmeal Cookie
Since cookies are usually eaten as dessert, you can simply enjoy this after dinner. Or if you are eating it as a snack or breakfast, I suggest adding a little protein to keep yourself full and satisfied. A spoonful of nut butter, a hard boiled egg or a serving of avocado egg salad are all great options for higher protein snacks that would pair well with this cookie.
Final thoughts:
A cookie ready in less than 5 minutes that doesn't require turning on the oven? Sign me up! This oatmeal cookie made in the microwave is simple, quick and made entirely with ingredients found in the pantry.
MORE MICROWAVE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE:
- Microwave Baked Apple
- Easy Peanutty Pasta
- Microwave Potato Chips
- Four Ingredient Soup
- Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Microwave Cornbread Muffin from Shaw Simple Swaps
Microwave Oatmeal Cookie
Ingredients
- ยผ cup quick oats not instant or flavored
- 2 teaspoon flour
- ยผ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- pinch cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon applesauce
- ยผ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยฝ tablespoon chocolate chips or raisins or nuts
- โ teaspoon avocado oil (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon if using. Stir in applesauce and vanilla extract. Stir in raisins or chocolate chips.
- Rub a tiny bit of oil onto a microwave safe plate or bowl. (this step is optional)
- Shape the mixture onto the plate or bowl. Microwave cookie on High for 60-75 seconds.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
What to Use in This Recipe
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Meme
This post was originally published March 5, 2013. Text, recipe, and photos have been updated.
Doesn't this recipe look good?! You should probably share it:
Beth says
This was so good. It's a good thing I ran out of oatmeal so that I didn't make 12 more! I may or may not have added more chocolate chips than were called for. I'll admit to nothing.
Meme says
Haha!! This made me laugh out loud. I feel the exact same way. I'm so happy you liked it ๐
hanna says
hi! is it okay if i don't put baking powder on it? will it ruin the whole thing? I only got oatmeal, flour, cinnamon powder, brown sugar. ๐ or I'll just experiment on this
Meme says
I think you should be ok, but it just might not rise as much. Let me know how your experimenting goes ๐
Kalee says
I'm all in for a cookie I can eat for breakfast! It looks delicious! ๐
Meme says
Thanks Kalee!! Cookie for breakfast always wins the morning ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Why have I never made a microwave breakfast cookie!? Ah! So fun and so good in a snap! Rest assured, I'll be remedying this soon!
Meme says
You must try this as soon as possible! So easy and so delicious!
Rebecca says
DROOLING! I'm so glad I saw this near the end of my day. I don' think I could wait multiple hours to go home & try this recipe!
Meme says
Haha!! I hope you enjoy ๐ xxxo
Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose says
These are dangerous!!! Pinning these for Doug, because he just finished a half dozen cookies. Single serving is definitely the way to go!
Meme says
Single serving cookies are my savior! I love cookies too much to have a bunch hanging around my house. I'd totally down half a dozen too ๐
Surbhi says
Just tried this recipes! Thank you soo much! It turned out amazing!
I sprinkled some salt on top just before popping it in the microwave - because I like that slight saltiness ๐
Meme says
Oh yay!!! I'm SO happy you enjoyed it ๐
Love the idea to add a little salt on top! YUM!
Leslie Keelty says
I ran out of granola for my yogurt & berries so I tried your recipe. I forgot to add the baking powder but it was still very tasty. I included a cut up dried apricot too!
Meme says
I am SO happy you enjoyed it!! I love the idea to add dried apricot; I'll have to try that ๐
xo
Tawnie Kroll says
A cookie made in seconds is my favorite kind of cookie! This was delicious thank you!!
Lindsey says
This is perfect for those nights where you need a cookie fix quick!!