Imagine the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon and oatmeal wafting through your kitchen as you bake a batch of applesauce oatmeal cookies.
These delightful treats are incredibly easy to whip up, offering a cozy, homemade indulgence that quickly becomes a favorite.
As the ingredients blend and transform in the oven, they create golden-brown cookies with a soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Let’s bring these delicious cookies to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Electric Mixer
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Measuring Cup Set
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Rolled Oats
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Raisins, optional
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and baking applesauce oatmeal cookies, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the recipe and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep Time (15 minutes):
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- If using raisins, fold them in gently.
- Optional Dough Chilling (30 minutes):
- If you desire chewier cookies, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Shaping and Baking (10 minutes):
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest on it for 5 minutes.
- Cooling (5-10 minutes):
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
If using, fold in the raisins gently.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold.
- Warm Milk: Serve with a glass of warm milk for a comforting and classic combination.
- Nut Butter Spread: Spread some almond or peanut butter on the cookies for an extra layer of rich flavor.
- Fresh Fruit: Accompany the cookies with a side of fresh berries or apple slices for a revitalizing balance.
- Hot Tea or Coffee: Enjoy the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and satisfying treat.
Storage
Store applesauce oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months for longer freshness.
Freezing
To freeze applesauce oatmeal cookies, cool completely.
Then layer with parchment in an airtight container.
Thaw at room temperature to maintain texture and flavor before serving.
Reheating
To reheat applesauce oatmeal cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Alternatively, use a microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore freshness.
Final Thoughts
Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that blends the wholesome flavors of oats and applesauce with the warmth of cinnamon.
This recipe isn’t only simple to follow but also allows for customization, making it perfect for any occasion.
With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies that everyone will love.
Whether you choose to add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Unsweetened Applesauce With Sweetened Applesauce?
You can substitute sweetened applesauce for unsweetened applesauce. However, reduce the added sugar by approximately 1/4 cup to maintain balanced sweetness. This adjustment guarantees the final product isn’t overly sweet, preserving the intended flavor profile.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal measure. Confirm it’s a blend containing xanthan gum for structure. Verify oats are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination. Adjust baking time if necessary.
What Is the Nutritional Information for These Cookies?
You’ll find each cookie contains approximately 90 calories, 3 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of protein. Nutritional values may vary based on additional ingredients used.
Are There Any Vegan Alternatives for the Butter?
You can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan margarine. Make certain it’s softened to maintain the same consistency in your mixture, providing a suitable alternative for vegan-friendly cookies.
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
You can use instant oats instead of rolled oats, but expect a slightly different texture. Instant oats absorb liquid faster, potentially leading to softer cookies. Measure accurately: use the same quantity, 2 cups. Adjust baking time if needed.
Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Electric Mixer
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Rolled Oats
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Raisins optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- If using, fold in the raisins gently.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
