Have you ever thought of adding applesauce to your oatmeal cookies? That may sound strange, but prepare for a tasty shock. These cookies are really moist thanks to the applesauce. It also delivers a note of sweetness that’s just the right amount. Plus, subbing applesauce is a genius way to reduce the fats and sugars, so these treats are a bit better for you.
What Makes These Cookies Irresistible is the Applesauce
Applesauce does not merely add flavor. It revolves everything you know about cookies. It makes these cookies soft and chewy, not hard and crunchy. And lets take a deeper look at why it is so amazing.
Natural Sweetness Booster
Applesauce is high in natural sugar. It’s a terrific way to employ less sugar. Using applesauce will still keep your cookies tasting great. You don’t need so much refined sugar. That’s a victory for your taste buds, and your health.
Moisture Retention Magic
No one likes a dry cookie. The cookies stay soft with the addition of applesauce. They stay chewy for days. Applesauce, however, keeps moisture in. You get the cookies tasting fresh for longer.
Fat Substitute Extraordinaire
Looking to reduce butter or oil? Applesauce can help. It replaces some fats. This lightens the cookies without sacrificing great flavor. It’s a simple way to make your cookies a little healthier.
The Ideal Base For Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies require the right kind of ingredients. The oats, flour and spices you choose go a long way. So, let’s sift through to find the best choices for this cookie dough.
Create Your Favorite Comfort Dish in a Matter of Minutes: The Best Ways to Cook Oats: Old-Fashioned Versus Quick
Use old-fashioned oats for a chewy texture. Quick-cooking oats will yield softer cookies. Old-fashioned oats are the best for this recipe. They add a nice, hearty bite.
Flour Power: All Purpose or Whole Wheat?
All-purpose flour yields a tender cookie. Whole wheat flour gives a nutty taste and more fiber. You can use either one, but best if you are using all-purpose first. It will maintain that light, chewy texture.
Spices That Sing
Spices add warmth and depth. Cinnamon is a must. Nutmeg and cloves are other warm spices that also add coziness. Mix and match these to make your cookies one-of-a-kind.
How to Make Applesauce Oatmeal Cookie (Step-by-Step)
Ready to bake? Here’s how to prepare these great cookies.
What are the Essential Components?
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Mixing Matters: Getting The Dough Consistency Right
For starters, combine the dry stuff. That includes the oats, flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the butter and sugars. Add the egg and vanilla, and then mix in the applesauce. After that, gradually add the dry to the wet. So mix with caution!
The Science of Baking: Time and Temperature
Preheat the oven at 375°F (190°C). Spoon mounds of dough onto baking sheets. Bake, rotating half way through, until the edges are a light golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool them on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack.
Cookies with Variations of Flavors and Add-ins
Make these cookies your own! Consider some nuts, dried fruits or chocolate chips.
Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans (or any combo)
Nuts add a crunch. All are nice: walnuts, pecans, and almonds. Use about ½ cup of chopped nuts for a lovely texture.
Fruity Fun: Raisins, Cranberries or Dried Cherries
Dried fruits add sweetness and chew to the cookies. Raisins are classic. Dried cranberries or sour cherries lend a tartness. Try ½ cup for a fruity twist.
And Then There Were Chocolate Chips: Dark, Milk or White?
You can never go wrong with chocolate chips. The addition of dark chocolate gives a bold flavor. They become sweeter with milk chocolate. It is creamy and smooth, while white chocolate. Use approximately 1 cup of whatever one you like.
How to Store and Serve Your Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
How to keep cookies fresh and how to enjoy cookies.
How to Store for Ultimate Freshness
Store the cookies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. How long do they stay fresh? About 3-4 days.
How to Serve It — From Basic to Extravagant
Serve these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They can also be served on a dessert platter. Warm them for an extra treat!
Conclusion
Applesauce oatmeal cookies are a scrumptiously healthier play on a classic. The applesauce allows for soft and chewy. It’s also reduced in fat and sugar. Give this recipe a try and let us see your own blurry, unappetizing creations!
