This applesauce cookies recipe is healthy, soft-baked, and naturally sweet just the way a wholesome snack should be. With only four pantry ingredients and no refined sugar, these cozy cookies come together fast and are perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or guilt-free treats.
They’re made with sweetened applesauce, peanut butter, oats, and cinnamon to create a chewy, flavorful cookie that tastes like fall in every bite. If you’re into nourishing snacks that feel like comfort food, you’ll love these just as much as my no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies or almond joy cookies.
In This Post
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cookies Recipe
- Just 4 wholesome ingredients. You probably have everything on hand already.
- No refined sugar. Sweetened naturally with applesauce.
- One bowl and no mixer needed. Quick, simple, and perfect for busy days.
- Soft and chewy. Like the best parts of a granola bar in cookie form.
- Kid-friendly and lunchbox approved. Great for after-school snacks or portable breakfast.
- Easy to customize. You can swap in different nut butters or mix in fun add-ins.
table talk
With Liliya!
These cookies are on repeat in my kitchen especially on busy school mornings or when I need a quick snack for the kids that I actually feel good about. The applesauce keeps them super moist, the oats add hearty texture, and peanut butter gives them that satisfying, creamy bite. No mixer, no chill time, no stress.
Liliya
Ingredients Needed For Applesauce Cookies
- Rolled oats. The chewy, hearty base that adds fiber and texture. Quick oats work too, but rolled give better bite.
- Sweetened applesauce. Naturally sweetens and keeps the cookies moist. You can use unsweetened, just add 1-2 tsp of maple syrup if needed.
- Peanut butter. Adds richness, healthy fat, and that classic cookie chew. Use almond, cashew, or sunflower butter for allergies.
- Cinnamon. Just a touch brings warmth and coziness to every bite.
How I Make Applesauce Cookies
(This is a quick overview of how I make applesauce cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)
- Preheat and prep. Get your oven set to 350°F (180°C) and line or lightly grease your baking sheet.
- Mix the dough. In one bowl, combine oats, applesauce, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and thick.
- Shape and flatten. Form 12 equal balls and press each one into a cookie shape on the baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just set.
- Cool completely. Let them cool on the pan they’ll firm up as they rest.
Tips For The Best Applesauce Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to keep them uniform and help with even baking.
If using unsweetened applesauce, taste your dough add a little maple syrup if you like.
Don’t overbake! They’ll seem soft but will firm up as they cool.
Add a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted it brings balance.
For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Let them cool completely on the baking sheet to finish setting.
Add raisins, shredded coconut, or mini chips to make every batch a little different.
Applesauce Cookies Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Make them chocolatey. Stir in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Go nut-free. Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini to make them allergy-friendly.
- Add crunch. Fold in crushed walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds for added texture and a nutty bite.
- More spice. Try a dash of nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice to enhance the warm flavor profile.
- Boost protein. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a tablespoon of hemp seeds for extra fuel.
- Change the texture. Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal or coconut flour to thicken the dough.
- Fruit-filled twist. Toss in chopped dried apples, raisins, or cranberries for a fruity upgrade.
- Turn them into bars. Press the dough into a square pan, bake slightly longer, and cut into bars once cool.
I love baking these applesauce cookies for about 10-12 minutes so they stay soft and chewy. If you like a crispier bottom, bake for up to 14 minutes. (Let them cool completely on the pan so they don’t fall apart.)
If you want thicker cookies, don’t press them down too much before baking. Keep the dough mounds slightly higher for a more tender middle.
How to Pack Them for Work and School
These cookies are the ultimate grab-and-go treat. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap each one individually in parchment paper or pop them into reusable snack bags or small containers. They’re soft enough to enjoy without a drink, but also sturdy enough not to crumble in a lunchbox.
- For school: Add one to a lunchbox with fresh fruit and a cheese stick for a balanced meal.
- For work: Pair with Greek yogurt or a protein shake for a wholesome snack that gets you through the afternoon slump.
They don’t need refrigeration for a day, making them ideal for packed lunches, road trips, or even as a quick breakfast during your commute.
Storing / Freezing Applesauce Cookies
- To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate up to a week.
- To freeze: Place cookies in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Pro Tip: Stack cookies with parchment between layers to prevent sticking and crumbling.
FAQs About Applesauce Cookies
Can I use unsweetened applesauce?
Yes! Just taste the dough and add 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey if you want them a bit sweeter.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I use another nut or seed butter?
Absolutely. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well, and each brings a unique flavor.
Can I make these with quick oats?
You can! The texture will be softer and less chewy, but still delicious.
Can I bake them in a pan instead of cookies?
Yes! Just press the dough into a small square pan, bake a few extra minutes, and slice into soft bars.
More Healthy Goodies To Try
Before you get started! If you try this Perfect Applesauce Cookies recipe, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review. It helps us keep sharing free recipes you can count on.
4-Ingredient Applesauce Cookies: Healthy & Soft Baked
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft-baked applesauce cookies are made with just 4 simple ingredients and no refined sugar. Naturally sweet, kid-friendly, and perfect for snacks, breakfast, or school lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup sweetened applesauce
- 1 cup peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter)
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease or line a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, applesauce, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined.
- Form 12 equal balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet. Press each ball gently into a cookie shape.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll firm up as they rest.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce if preferred, but add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup if you want more sweetness.
- These are great with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
- Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temp or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
