5 Delicious Oatmeal Applesauce Cookie Recipes

Why Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies?

Oatmeal applesauce cookies blend the comfort of traditional cookies with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal and applesauce, making them a delightful snack for any occasion. These cookies are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits, making them a preferable choice for those mindful about their eating habits. Incorporating oatmeal and applesauce into cookies provides a source of fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, reducing the need for excessive sugar or butter, thereby making these treats healthier without compromising on taste.

Recipe #1: Classic Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the applesauce, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
  5. Drop by tablespoon onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
  7. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🍏 Note: Ensure the applesauce you use is unsweetened to control the cookie's sweetness level.

Recipe #2: Vegan Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

Vegan versions of these cookies are just as delectable, using plant-based ingredients that suit a vegan lifestyle or for those looking to reduce animal products in their diet.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (as an egg substitute)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Create a flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal and water; let it sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, combine applesauce, sugar, coconut oil, flax egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
  5. Mix wet and dry ingredients until just blended.
  6. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool before enjoying.

Recipe #3: Gluten-Free Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

Catering to those with gluten sensitivities, this recipe uses almond flour and oat flour to keep the cookies free of gluten.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup gluten-free oat flour
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix applesauce, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
  3. Add in oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, and cinnamon, mixing until combined.
  4. Form dough into cookies and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
  6. Cool on the sheet before removing.

Recipe #4: Nutty Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

Add some texture and nutrition with nuts to your oatmeal applesauce cookies:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg, applesauce, and vanilla.
  3. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nuts.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
  5. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
  6. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Recipe #5: Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

Combine the timeless flavor of chocolate chips with the nutritious base of oatmeal and applesauce for a crowd-pleasing treat:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Blend applesauce, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix oats, flour, baking soda, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  4. Combine the two, then fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Drop dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  6. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring.

Wrapping up, oatmeal applesauce cookies are not only easy to bake but also offer a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. Whether you're looking for a vegan or gluten-free option, these recipes cater to all preferences, providing a delightful treat that's both comforting and nutritious. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and textures, and make these cookies a staple in your baking repertoire.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats for these recipes?

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No, it’s best to use rolled oats for these recipes. Steel-cut oats have a different texture and require longer cooking times, which can affect the consistency and baking time of the cookies.

How can I make these cookies even healthier?

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Consider using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or substituting with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also add seeds, dried fruits, or more nuts for extra nutrients.

What variations can I try for different flavors?

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You can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger, or add ingredients like raisins, cranberries, or different types of chocolate chips to change the flavor profile.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

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Yes, these cookies freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds when ready to eat.

Can I use applesauce to replace all the fat in the recipes?

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Applesauce can replace some of the fat, but replacing all of it might affect the texture and flavor. For best results, use it to substitute up to half the fat called for in the recipe.