This 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies recipe is the perfect way to make a naturally sweet, chewy cookie with wholesome ingredients. Using applesauce, oats, almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon, these cookies come together quickly for a healthy treat that works for snacks, breakfast, or even lunchboxes.
These 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies are gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free while still tasting soft, spiced, and satisfying. The applesauce keeps them moist, the almond butter adds richness, and the oats make them hearty enough to enjoy any time of day. If you like simple cookie recipes like this, you may also enjoy my Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies or Easy Healthy Banana Cookies.
In This Post
Why You’ll Love This 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Only 5 main ingredients, plus optional add-ins.
- Naturally gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free.
- Chewy, soft, and warmly spiced with cinnamon.
- Perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, or lunchboxes.
- Easy to customize with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate.
table talk
With Liliya!
Whenever I bake these, I can’t help but smile at how quickly they come together. No mixer needed, no chill time, no fuss. They’re especially perfect when I want to pack something wholesome into my kids’ lunchboxes or grab a soft, spiced cookie with my afternoon coffee. The oats give them a comforting texture while the cinnamon and applesauce make the whole kitchen smell like fall.
Liliya
Ingredients Needed For 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
- Quick oats. Quick oats work best because they soften quickly and create a chewy texture. Rolled oats can be used for more bite, but the cookies will be chunkier.
- Applesauce. Unsweetened applesauce binds the dough and keeps the cookies moist without oil or eggs. It also adds natural sweetness.
- Maple syrup. This natural sweetener balances the tartness of the applesauce. Honey can be substituted if preferred.
- Almond butter. Provides richness and helps the cookies hold together. Use smooth, unsweetened almond butter for the best results. Peanut butter also works, but changes the flavor.
- Cinnamon. Adds warmth and cozy spice that pairs perfectly with applesauce and oats.
- Sea salt. Just a touch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Optional additions. Chopped apple, vanilla extract, walnuts, or pecans for extra flavor and texture.
How I Make 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
(This is a quick overview of how I make 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)
- Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough. Stir together all the ingredients in a food processor or bowl until a thick batter forms. If using a bowl, let the dough rest for 10 minutes so the oats absorb the liquid.
- Shape cookies. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and shape into circles since they don’t spread much while baking.
- Bake. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before removing, so they set up properly.
Expert Tips for 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
Use quick oats for the softest, chewiest texture.
Let the dough rest if mixing by hand to help the oats absorb liquid.
Don’t overbake pull them when they’re just golden for soft centers.
Stir in chopped apples or walnuts for extra texture.
Allow cookies to cool fully before moving to prevent breaking.
5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies Variations and Substitutions
- Apple Walnut Cookies. Stir chopped walnuts and small apple pieces into the dough for added crunch and natural sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. Fold in mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Swap almond butter with peanut butter for a stronger nutty flavor.
- Raisin Cinnamon Cookies. Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra chew and fruitiness.
- Vanilla Spice Cookies. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg for warm, layered flavor.
Storing / Freezing 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
How to Pack 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies for Work and School
These cookies are sturdy and pack well. Place them in a reusable container or snack bag. If stacking, add parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’re perfect for grab-and-go snacks or lunchbox treats.
FAQs About 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the cookies will be heartier and chewier.
Can I make these cookies without almond butter?
Peanut butter or cashew butter can be substituted, or you can try sunflower seed butter for a nut free option.
Do these cookies taste like traditional cookies?
They’re less sweet and more wholesome, but still soft, chewy, and satisfying.
Can I make them oil free?
Yes, the applesauce and almond butter provide plenty of moisture.
Are these cookies good for breakfast?
Absolutely. They’re made with oats, applesauce, and almond butter, making them nutritious enough for a morning bite.
More Oatmeal Cookies To Try
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5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time22 minutes
- Yield12 cookies 1x
- DietGluten Free
These 5 Ingredient Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup. Gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free, they’re the perfect healthy snack, breakfast, or lunchbox treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (180 g) quick oats
- 1 cup (255 g / 9 oz) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) unsweetened almond butter
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Optional: ⅔ cup (84 g) chopped apple, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup (65 g) walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine oats, applesauce, maple syrup, almond butter, cinnamon, and salt until a thick batter forms.
- If adding nuts, fruit, or vanilla, fold them in now. Let the dough rest 10 minutes if mixed by hand.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and shape into cookies.
- Bake 9–12 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before removing.
Notes
- Quick oats create a softer cookie, rolled oats will be chewier.
- Don’t skip cooling time it helps the cookies set.
- Sweeten more by adding raisins, dried cranberries, or extra maple syrup.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, fridge up to a week, or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
More Oatmeal Cookie Recipes to Try
If you loved these, check out the full Oatmeal Cookie Recipes collection, or browse everything in our Cookie Recipes.
