Let me take you on a little culinary adventure with these heavenly applesauce oatmeal raisin cookies that are like a warm hug in dessert form. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!
In my kitchen, the irresistible aroma of these Applause Oatmeal Raisin Cookies wafts through the air. I am wild about how the combination of unsweetened applesauce and softened butter keeps these babies so moist; and that, combined with the perfect balance of sweetness from brown and granulated sugar, makes me feel almost sinful munching on these bites of pure joy.
With half the amount of sugar used in a standard cookie recipe and with oats and raisins in the mix, I can definitely justify indulging in. They are, hands down, my favorite cookies to make during the fall.
Applesauce Oat Raisin Cookies Recipe Ingredients
- Unsweetened Applesauce: A natural sweetener rich in fiber, adding moisture.
- Oats: High in fiber and protein, promoting heart health.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to cookies.
- Raisins: Natural sweetness with antioxidants and iron.
- Ground Cinnamon: Aromatic spice with anti-inflammatory properties.
Applesauce Oat Raisin Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make this Applesauce Oat Raisin Cookies Recipe
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up, and prepare your baking sheets by putting parchment paper on them.
2. In a large basin, cream unsalted butter with brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Include the egg and vanilla extract with the sugar mixture, and mix until thoroughly united.
4. Combine the unsweetened applesauce and mix well.
5. In another bowl, whisk the following together: all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
6. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until combined but not overmixed.
7. Blend in the rolled oats, the raisins, and the nuts (if using).
8. Scoop rounded tablespoons of the dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough mounds about 2 inches apart.
9. In a preheated oven, bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are firm.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Applesauce Oat Raisin Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheets
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Mixing spoons or spatula
7. Electric mixer or hand mixer
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Whisk
11. Cookie scoop or tablespoon
12. Wire cooling rack
FAQ
- Can I substitute the unsweetened applesauce with sweetened applesauce?You can substitute it, but it might change the sweetness of the cookies. If they’re not as sweet, you might want to adjust the sugar.
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?Although they can be used, quick oats yield a slightly different textured result. The most common oat used in baking, however, is the rolled oat. Chewy and full of flavor, the rolled oat is a classic cookie base.
- Are there any alternatives to raisins if I don’t like them?Of course! Other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots—and even chocolate chips—can certainly be used as substitutes.
- How should I store these cookies?Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for no longer than 4 days. They can also be frozen for no longer than 3 months.
- Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?For this recipe, you do not have to chill the dough, but it’s a good idea to do so for the best results. Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to develop and prevents the end product from spreading too much.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?Indeed, whole wheat flour can be utilized, but the cookies will possess a denser texture and a more pronounced nuttiness in their flavor.
- What type of nuts work best as an optional addition?Pecans or walnuts are super selections that make for a cookie that has a nice crunch and a nutty flavor. Both are excellent choices for this recipe.
Applesauce Oat Raisin Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Pumpkin puree can take the place of unsweetened applesauce when you’re looking for something with a little more flavor.
Coconut oil can be used to substitute unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
Coconut sugar can be used in place of brown sugar for a less refined option.
Dried cranberries or chopped dates can be used in place of raisins when you want some variety.
Sunflower seeds can take the place of chopped nuts to make a nut-free version.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Dough: Before baking, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker and chewier texture.
2. Toast the Nuts: If you’re using nuts, try toasting them lightly in a pan before adding them to the dough. This enhances their flavor and adds extra depth to the cookies.
3. Soak the Raisins: For plumper raisins, soak them in hot water (or even a bit of rum or apple juice for added flavor) for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
4. Use Fresh Spices: Spices can lose their potency over time, so make sure your ground cinnamon and nutmeg are fresh for the best flavor impact.
5. Check for Doneness Early: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your cookies a minute or two before the minimum baking time. They should be golden brown at the edges but still slightly soft in the center when done. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Applesauce Oat Raisin Cookies Recipe
My favorite Applesauce Oat Raisin Cookies Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheets
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Mixing spoons or spatula
7. Electric mixer or hand mixer
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Whisk
11. Cookie scoop or tablespoon
12. Wire cooling rack
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up, and prepare your baking sheets by putting parchment paper on them.
2. In a large basin, cream unsalted butter with brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Include the egg and vanilla extract with the sugar mixture, and mix until thoroughly united.
4. Combine the unsweetened applesauce and mix well.
5. In another bowl, whisk the following together: all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
6. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until combined but not overmixed.
7. Blend in the rolled oats, the raisins, and the nuts (if using).
8. Scoop rounded tablespoons of the dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough mounds about 2 inches apart.
9. In a preheated oven, bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are firm.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.