Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Place ½ cup oats into a food processor or blender and pulse until the oats are ground into flour.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together oats, oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and flax.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.

Step 5

Stir in the apple and pecans.

Step 6

Using a large scoop, divide the dough into 16 cookies. Press the tops flat as these cookies remain in the same shape as they cook.

Step 7

Bake for 10 minutes or until the middle is set. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.