I like baking oatmeal cookies on afternoons when the house feels a little too quiet and the kids wander in asking for something warm.
Every batch disappears fast in my house.
My family hovers near the counter, grabbing cookies before I even slide the second tray into the oven.
Soft oats, a cozy smell, and that homemade sweetness always pull everyone together.
I wanted a new twist this week.
Something still familiar, still comforting, but with a softer bite and a little more moisture packed in.
Applesauce felt like the perfect swap.
Chewy applesauce oatmeal cookies give that same classic flavor my kids love, only softer, sweeter, and extra tender.
One tray in, and it was clear these need to join my regular rotation.
Warm, chewy centers plus a hint of cinnamon?
My family couldn’t resist.
Ingredients to Make Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: raisins, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Chewy applesauce oatmeal cookies fit easily into busy days.
The recipe uses simple pantry staples, so I can pull everything together fast without an extra grocery trip.
Applesauce keeps each cookie soft and tender, which always wins with my kids. No spreading issues, no complicated steps—just mix, scoop, and bake.
I also love how well these freeze.
I place cooled cookies in a freezer bag, press out the air, and tuck them away for later.
They thaw in minutes, so I can pop a couple into lunch boxes, grab a few for after-school snacks, or keep a stash ready for weekends when the kids need something filling between activities.
They’re reliable, easy to batch, and perfect for any day that needs a cozy, homemade treat without extra effort.
How to Make These Soft Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
1. Prep the Oven
Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment so the cookies bake evenly and lift off without sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Beat the applesauce, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a bowl until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
Use a separate bowl for the oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything so the dry mix blends well.
4. Bring the Dough Together
Pour the dry mix into the wet bowl and stir until the dough forms. Fold in any extras your family loves.
5. Scoop the Cookies
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared tray, leaving small gaps between each one.
6. Bake the Batch
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges set while the centers stay soft and chewy.
7. Cool the Cookies
Move the cookies to a cooling rack… or grab one warm because someone always sneaks one before they cool.
Nice and Cozy Snack Idea
Chewy applesauce oatmeal cookies always bring everyone into the kitchen.
Soft centers, warm oats, and that hint of cinnamon make each batch feel like a small treat on busy days.
These freeze well, pack easily into lunch boxes, and disappear fast when the kids spot them on the counter.
Once you bake them, you’ll want to keep a stash ready for school days, snack breaks, and quiet evenings when you crave something homemade and comforting.
