Can I substitute maple syrup or honey for the coconut sugar?

Not recommended in this specific recipe, as liquid sweeteners will throw off the texture. Stick with dry sweeteners like coconut sugar, brown sugar, or maple sugar.

Can I skip the almond butter?

You can try substituting it with mashed banana or extra applesauce, but keep in mind the cookies will be softer and less chewy. Using a seed or nut butter helps bind and gives structure.

Why aren't my cookies sticking together?

Make sure you mix really well by hand. If they still fall apart, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oats and knead again.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They are soft and chewy with a tender bite. If you want them firmer, bake an extra minute or two.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep them completely gluten-free.

Healthy Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe by Liliya

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Total Time25 minutes
Yield14 cookies 1x

These applesauce oatmeal cookies are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened. Made without eggs, flour, or dairy, they’re perfect for a wholesome snack or light treat. One bowl, pantry staples, and 15 minutes in the oven is all it takes!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup coconut sugar (or similar granulated sweetener)
3 tablespoons smooth almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup raisins (or dried cranberries, cherries, etc.)
1 palmful chopped nuts, optional (walnuts, pecans, pistachios)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, coconut sugar, almond butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Stir in rolled oats until well combined.
Using one hand, knead and squeeze the mixture to help soften the oats and bind the dough. If the mixture feels too wet, add 2 tablespoons more oats.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and shape into discs about 2 inches wide and ⅓-inch thick. Place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
If using, press chopped nuts into the tops of cookies.
Bake for 13–15 minutes or until set and moisture has evaporated.
Cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.

Notes

If your dough feels too sticky to hold shape, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra oats and knead again.
These cookies don’t spread, so flatten and shape before baking.
Swap raisins for chopped dates, dried cranberries, or mini chocolate chips.
Make nut-free by using sunflower seed butter and skipping optional nuts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 55 mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://wearerecipes.com/applesauce-oatmeal-cookies/