Applesauce Cookies
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My healthy applesauce cookies are soft and chewy and bake up in under 15 minutes! No eggs, no butter, and no oil needed.
Come Fall, my kitchen smells like cinnamon, and my fridge is full of pumpkin puree and applesauce. Actually, that’s a lie.
Applesauce is a year-round staple in my household, and I use it in tons of baking recipes. When I want to make applesauce the star of the show, nothing beats whipping up a batch of my partner’s favorite applesauce cookies.
Over time, I’ve tested these cookies with both sweetened and unsweetened applesauce, and even tried a few culinary school tricks to replace the butter. Sweetened applesauce provides the perfect balance of chewiness and flavor, while the addition of nut butter (I love peanut butter) adds richness and protein. That way, you don’t need eggs, butter, or oil- the applesauce does all the work.
Table of Contents
Why make my applesauce cookies
- Perfect texture and flavor. The texture of my cookies is thick, soft, and perfectly chewy. They have a pleasant apple flavor with hints of cinnamon throughout.
- Wholesome. Because applesauce is naturally high in pectin, it helps lock in moisture and replace the binding that butter or eggs typically provide. These are healthier than traditional butter-laden cookies.
- Ready in 12 minutes. Because these need just four ingredients to make, the cooking time is minimal.
- Vegan and gluten-free. And also dairy-free!
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “These are such a good cookie for my little kids. They are wholesome, not overly sweet, and keep them satisfied” – Janine
★★★★★ – “The best use of leftover applesauce. I sometimes add protein powder for more staying power.” – Felicity
Ingredients needed
- Rolled oats. Rolled oats yield a super chewy and hearty texture. These also work with quick-cooking oats. If you prefer a flour-based cookie, I’ve tested them with whole-wheat flour and they worked well.
- Applesauce. Because I’m not adding liquid or granulated sugar to these cookies, you must use sweetened applesauce. If you can only find the unsweetened kind, add 1/4 cup of either maple syrup or coconut sugar (or brown sugar).
- Peanut butter. Adds some richness and a buttery texture without needing actual butter. You can substitute this for any nut or seed butter of your choice (I love using almond butter or tahini).
- Cinnamon. A must for any recipe that uses applesauce.
- Vanilla extract. Completely optional, but if you love a subtle hint of vanilla, add a drop into the batter.
How to make applesauce oatmeal cookies
For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Make the batter. In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients until a thick batter remains.
Step 2: Shape. Using your hands, form 12 balls of dough and place on the lined tray. Press each ball into a cookie shape.
Step 3: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pan completely.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Do not overbake the cookies. They will continue to cook as they cool down. They won’t turn super crunchy anyway.
- Taste the mixture. These cookies rely on the sweetness of the applesauce. Taste the mixture before shaping into balls (no eggs, so no worries!), and if needed, add some sugar or maple syrup.
- Change the spices. Nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and ground cloves are warming spices that work well with applesauce or even some vanilla powder.
- Add mix-ins. If you love cookies with some texture, consider adding dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, raisins, or even coconut flakes. I’ve also tested them with some of my air fryer apples in the batter for a more intense apple flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, I’ve tested these with both store-bought and homemade applesauce (I love All Recipes’ version). If yours is unsweetened, just remember to add a little sugar or maple syrup so the cookies don’t turn out bland. Homemade tends to give a fresher, slightly tangier flavor.
You can! I’ve tried quinoa flakes, buckwheat flakes, and even regular flour. The texture changes: oats give chewiness, while flour makes them more cake-like. But all versions still hold together nicely thanks to the applesauce.
Yes, I’ve tested this recipe with sunflower seed butter and tahini (my niece is allergic to nuts), and both worked. The flavor is slightly different (I find tahini can sometimes be a little bit bitter), but the cookies still hold their shape. Just be sure to use a thicker seed butter, not a runny one.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftover cookies in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to five days.
To freeze: Once the cookies have cooled, place them in a ziploc bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Since this cookie recipe discusses healthy swaps and dietary tips, the nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
4-Ingredient Applesauce Cookies
Video
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup applesauce sweetened
- 1 cup peanut butter or any nut or seed butter
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), lightly grease a baking sheet, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened applesauce, oats, peanut butter, and cinnamon and mix well.
- Using your hands, form 12 balls, and place them on the lined sheet, and press each ball into a cookie shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Notes
- Unsweetened applesauce: Add two tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Oat sub: Quinoa flakes or all-purpose flour (I like whole wheat flour).
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for 6 months.
Nutrition
More delicious recipes using applesauce
Originally updated October 2023
These cookies were amazing! My children and I made them together as “breakfast cookies”. We used unsweetened apple sauce, as we added in some semi-sweet mini chocolate chips. We also added in some sunflower seeds. The mixture still wasn’t quite sweet enough, so we added in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup! We made smallish cookies, so we actually got 26 out of this recipe!
I added cacao nibs, gojucharu and a little agave — yum!
These are AMAZING! So soft and delicious, I can’t stop eating these and neither can my toddler! I added unsweetened coconut flakes, ground flax seeds, and mini chocolate chips. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I made this exactly the way the recipe was written. However, I used crunchy peanut butter instead. Next time, I will use powdered peanut butter. Will powdered peanut butter and half a banana be okay? Your recipe baked beautifully. Finally a healthy alternative . Thank you.
Wait for this you need only applesauce and peanut butter? Amazing!
I read many times that some recipes have applesauce. Then I researched and found out its very easy to make your own. So for sure will make my homemade.
best applesauce oatmeal cookies EVER!!!
I make these weekly!
These are SO good!
Love!!!! Perfection
I make these every week!
Can i substitute the peanut for something else? My nephew has allergies
This is nice, but how can one make apple sauce.
My recipe made more than 12 good size cookies. I used unsweetened applesauce because I don’t use refined sugar. I added 1/2C of allulose brown sweetener & next time I’ll add 3/4C. I threw in some walnut pieces and raisins too. I’ll add some apple pieces next time too or use chunky applesauce if I can find it unsweetened.
They are easy and delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Excellent cookies. My granddaughter and grandson loves them.
Even our dog likes the cookie for a healthy snack.
Do you think these would work with Splenda instead of sugar?
Of course! 🙂
Wow, these are amazing! I followed the recipe exactly, but didn’t use the nut butter. I’m having cookies for dessert tonight! Who am kidding? I’m eating one NOW! Thank you so much!
D Love it! Hope you enjoy them 🙂
Wondering whether a suuuuuuuper ripe banana would be a good substitute for some of the sweetener. (Add more oats if that makes it gloopy, but also curious that these have no leavening like a traditional cookie.)
Hi Dew- You’d like this recipe here- https://thebigmansworld.com/3-ingredient-breakfast-cookies/
Any chance you could make these without sugar? Would I need to add something else to make up the lack of 1/4 of something?
Hi Kim! You could add 1/4 cup granulated sweetener of choice 🙂
so excited to make these. they look delicious!
if i am similar to you and not wanting too sweet a cookie – could i go without the sugar? or will it not come together/cook without? – if so could i use honey/maple syrup…if so how much would you think is necessary? THANKS SO MUCH 🙂
Hmmmmm… I haven’t tried it without that, but let me know if you do- I’m curious if it will turn out! 🙂
I made these yesterday as an impromptu breakfast for the kids. They came together quickly and were a huge hit, even for my little six-year old skeptic! I subbed apple butter for applesauce, used half brown sugar half Splenda (I know, it’s awful, but we’re slowly weaning off the artificial stuff…), and added the nut butter. I think that was the special touch that bound all the other flavors together. Thank you for this great recipe!
That sounds like the perfect special touch- Yum! No shame with the use of splenda 🙂 Thanks for the feedback, Stacey!
How do you think these would work with oatmeal flour? I have some I had already ground up but haven’t used and I’m wondering if that would be an even substitution?
I too wonder if the oat flour can be substituted for the oats.
Haha conversations with my younger sister are just as erratic yet organized. Siblings just get each other!
Right? Thanks Jess!
“I don’t send pumpkins, I just get them.” – Cegina Torge. (Cassie Tran + Regina George?)
Hahaha! Joking, but seriously, all the pumpkins are MINE! These applesauce cookies look amazing! They remind me of Karlie Kloss’s GF and vegan oatmeal cookies, which I LOVE! <3
Nice! 🙂
Ok I’m sorry I am with Niki on this one – the Batchelor was serious addicting TV! And now we have the Bachelorette which is just as addicting! I had never seen it until we moved here!
Oh no!!! All my friends back home are obsessed!!!!
Your sister sounds like a hoot! And why’s your mum hating on the pumpkin recipes? They’re kind of amazing. Like this one. You are the master of cookie sorcery!
Haha it is amazing-It’s just not her favourite, and it’s also eaten savory in Australia!
Healthy cookies… I’m IN! I could honestly finish off a batch on my own without coming up for air!
You and me both, Kate!
YOU ARE THE KING of simple yet friggin’ AMAZING recipes! Can I be your queen? Oh wait a second – WHY am I asking? I already am! DUH!
You are my dear 🙂
I love how simple these cookies are to make! I’m with you on adding almond or peanut butter. Nut butters make everything better.
Right? Just pass the jar with a spoon and I’m happy!
The Bachelor is huge in these parts haha people have brackets for throughout the season 🙂 now I just want a big bowl of applesauce.
Hahaha but but…our Kardashians!
Ha! That conversation was perfect. Your sister cracks me up. I definitely watch the bachelor. It’s total garbage, but I can’t help myself!
At least it’s not the Kardashians! 😀
I will ship your mom a pumpkin if you will make me some cookies. Deal, yes?
DONE DEAL!
After following your blog for quite some time, I just started making your recipes this week (3 in one sitting). I loved them, and I like the seasonally themed recipes. I love apple in baked goods! Since they’re in season, any chance of an Arman-ified recipe with fresh apples?
Oh wow- Thanks Christine!!!
You bet…I have an epic one coming up 😀
One of these days I’ll have to share my real opinion on pumpkin, but I’m keeping it on the down-low for now for the sake of the blog 😉 And is it crazy that I’ve never seen a single episode of The Bachelor? I lump that in with Harry Potter as things I’m rebelling against for no real reason.
Hahahaha the things we do for our careers!
Is the pumpkin raw? I wasn’t sure
Hi Jedda! It’s mashed, pureed cooked pumpkin 🙂
So many awesome things in this post! Nikki sounds so fun, everyone needs to send your mom pumpkins (that would be hilarious) and these cookies are getting made. Whip your hair…hahaha…never gets old 🙂
LOL. We need to organise a huge fed ex box to send her. I called her last night and she said she didn’t even like pumpkin that much. Her tastebuds must have gone somewhere.
These cookies look awesome…and easy! And they involve apples. And we all know how I feel about apples. Also, I’m looking forward to my brand new pumpkin pie ball gown because I understood every bit of that conversation. Turns out little sisters are pretty similar! I prefer my ball gown to come with an actual pie, too. Thanks, mate.
Hahahahaha the ball gown that keeps on giving! Seriously, sisters must have their own self taught lingo.
Oh yum! These cookies sound delicious and so easy!
Thanks so much, Marye! 🙂
Dear Arman, I get such a kick out of you two. These applesauce cookies sound delightful…an equally delicious healthy treat…even if there is no pumpkin. I enjoy both kinds! Enjoy your day my friend, Catherine
Thanks so much, Catherine! 🙂
I love these! I makes easy oat cookies like this all the time! Its awesome that you can bake with just oats and some mashed fruit or pumpkin. Plus the options for add-ins are endless!
That’s true, I have some twists coming up.
Love your sibling convos and yeah I understood the whole thing so…. make me food. THANKS.
Hahaha sure thang!
Yum!! These would be so perfect for my little nephew! He loooves cookies so this would be a nice alternative haha
Right? Thanks Liz!
With all these amazing pumpkin recipes appearing on the interwebs you can only imagine how devastated I was when my husband told me he fed our dog his pumpkin pie smoothie.
I’m adding these to the list!
WHAT! That lucky dog then….
I’m with mom although I get that we’re in the minority. 🙂
Apples I can get down with. Bring it on.
Chunky applesauceeeeee
It might go too far if I said I have conversations like that with my sister as well but I can definitely relate to rollercoster like changes of topic when we speak. Oh and needless to say that it’s me who reaches out to her 99% of times.
We do have the Bachelor in Germany (people pronounce it Bäääh-tsche-looor <- physically cringing at it) but as all original US or UK shows adaptet for German TV it's just plain hideous.
Oh and don't listen to your Mum, your pumpkin recipes are bomb!
hahaha thanks Juli!
Pumpkin and apple side by side = yum 🙂 I have so many apples from going picking and totally blanking on what to do with all of them.
oh wow- I can so see some chunky applesauce happening 😀