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Fruity sweetness with a little bit of cinnamon spice, that’s the main attraction of applesauce cookies. As you’ve guessed by the name, applesauce is the core ingredient of this dessert. But you can add or customize the other ingredients according to your preference. So, this cookie recipe is more versatile than other ones you’ve tried till now.

You might wonder if the cinnamon makes the cookies spicy. But no, the sweetness blends with the spice so well that your tongue won’t even get the slightest of the burning sensation.

Today, I will show you how I make healthy applesauce cookies at home. As the fall season is knocking at the door, it’s the right time to try this new recipe and treat your family.

So, let’s get started.

Why I Love Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies

There are many versions of this cookie. But I prefer the chocolaty ones most. The sweetness comes directly from slightly molded choco chips on top. You don’t need too much sugar to sweeten it.

The applesauce transforms the aroma into something heavenly. Along with adding the fruity flavor inside, the sauce also creates a rich texture if you bake it properly in the oven.

Although applesauce cookies are most popular during fall, I still find it delightful even during summer or monsoon. You can enjoy this treat anytime, anywhere.

Applesauce Cookies Ingredients & Substitutions

Name: Applesauce Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1½ Cups Flour; ½ Tsp Baking Powder; ½ Tsp Baking Soda; ½ Tsp Cinnamon; ½ Tsp Salt; ⅓ Cup Butter; ¾ Cup Brown Sugar; ⅓ Cup Applesauce; 1 Tsp Vanilla; 1 Cup Chocolate Chips

My homemade version of the recipe keeps things simple. The applesauce replaces most of the fat you’d normally use, which is what makes these healthy applesauce cookies without sacrificing flavor. Here’s the ingredients list.

Ingredients List

1½ cups all-purpose flour: for gluten free applesauce cookies, swap with a 1:1 gluten free blend.
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened: use coconut oil instead for vegan applesauce cookies.
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce: always use plain, not flavored. Check the label for added sugars.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: dark chocolate works too if you want less sweetness.

Variations

As you can see, this recipe has no eggs. The applesauce will also add enough moisture and binding to the dough. So, you can also call it a type of vegan applesauce cookies. All you need to do is swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

However, if you want a heavier version, you need add ½ cup rolled oats and a mashed banana to make the banana oatmeal applesauce cookies. The oats will add fiver and the banana brings extra natural fruity sweetness.

You can also spread this batter into a 9×13 pan instead of scooping into balls. Bake a few minutes longer, and you’ve got applesauce bar cookies with the same flavor.

How To Make Applesauce Cookies

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is evenly combined. You’ll also add the chocolate chips at this stage.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or the cookies will turn dense.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Use a spatula to fold in the applesauce cookies chocolate chip portion evenly through the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up so it holds shape during baking.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Space them two inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes until the edges look set but the centers still appear soft.

Step 8: Cool on the Pan

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. They firm up as they cool.

Pro Tips

Don’t expect these to spread like regular cookies. Applesauce cookies stay thick. If you want them flatter, press the dough balls down slightly before baking or tap the baking sheet on the counter at the 7-minute mark.
Use unsweetened applesauce only. Sweetened versions add too much sugar and make the dough runny. If your applesauce seems watery, strain it through a fine sieve for about 15 minutes before mixing.
These taste even better the next day. The moisture from the applesauce deepens the flavor overnight. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Wrapping Up

That’s all it takes to make applesauce cookies at home. Less fat, no eggs, and barely 20 minutes of active work. The applesauce does most of the heavy lifting for moisture and flavor, so you’re not relying on butter or oil like traditional recipes.

I make a batch of these almost every other week. Sometimes with chocolate chips, sometimes with oats and banana. The base recipe stays the same either way, which is what makes it so easy to keep coming back to.

If you haven’t tried baking with applesauce before, start with this one. It’s forgiving, hard to mess up, and tastes way better than you’d expect from a healthier cookie.