Are you craving a warm, gooey oatmeal cookie but want a healthier twist? Look no further! This recipe swaps butter for applesauce, resulting in a delightfully moist and subtly sweet cookie that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner bakers will master, making it ideal for quick dinner ideas or a weekend baking project. Get ready to experience the best recipes for homemade cooking, elevated!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The applesauce will add moisture and natural sweetness, making this a healthier alternative to traditional recipes.
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Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Stir in Extras (Optional): Gently fold in the raisins and/or nuts if desired. These additions offer delightful texture and flavor variations.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. For perfectly even cookies, use a cookie scoop.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious homemade oatmeal cookies warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies:
- Applesauce matters: Using unsweetened applesauce is crucial for controlling the sweetness level. If your applesauce is sweetened, reduce the amount of added sugar accordingly.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chilling is optional: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Customize your flavors: Experiment with different spices, extracts, or mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes to create your own unique variations.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a pinch of ginger, cloves, or allspice for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins or nuts for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 120-150
- Fat: 4-6g
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Fiber: 1-2g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These healthy and delicious oatmeal cookies are a perfect snack or dessert. They are easy to make, customizable, and a great way to enjoy a homemade treat without compromising on taste or health. Enjoy!