Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

5 from 1 vote

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Introduction

Chewy, soft, and perfectly spiced, these best iced oatmeal applesauce cookies combine the wholesome flavor of oats with the cozy sweetness of applesauce. This homemade iced oatmeal applesauce cookies recipe is pure comfort in cookie form – moist on the inside, with a delicate maple glaze that melts in your mouth. Each bite carries a nostalgic warmth reminiscent of fall afternoons and freshly baked treats cooling on grandma’s counter.

I made some Baked Applesauce yesterday with these cookies in mind. I’ve been eyeing this recipe for months, just waiting to have applesauce on hand. The chunky applesauce gives the cookies their amazing texture and deep apple flavor. Whether you use homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s chunky for the perfect consistency.

These easy iced oatmeal applesauce cookies are ideal for holidays, bake sales, or a quick batch of dessert to share with the family. They are sweet enough for a treat but wholesome enough to feel like a comforting snack – the kind of family favorite iced oatmeal applesauce cookies you’ll come back to again and again.

If you’re looking for best iced oatmeal applesauce cookies ideas for the season, this recipe fits every occasion – from cozy nights at home to festive gatherings. It’s one of those homemade iced oatmeal applesauce cookies recipes that feels timeless, simple to prepare, and always loved. The combination of hearty oats, cinnamon, and sweet apple flavor makes this a simple iced oatmeal applesauce cookies dessert you’ll be proud to bake and share all year long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly chewy and full of cozy fall flavor – oats, cinnamon, and apple all shine.
Uses basic pantry staples for a simple iced oatmeal applesauce cookies recipe.
The maple icing adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the cookie.
A great quick iced oatmeal applesauce cookies for parties or lunchbox treats.
Freezes beautifully for future cravings or holiday prep.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this homemade iced oatmeal applesauce cookies recipe serves a delicious purpose. The old-fashioned rolled oats provide that signature chewy bite, while all-purpose flour holds everything together. Baking soda and baking powder give the cookies their light lift, and cinnamon brings warmth that pairs beautifully with apple.

Chunky applesauce is the heart of this recipe – it keeps the cookies soft, adds moisture, and delivers that unmistakable apple flavor. Homemade applesauce is best, but store-bought chunky versions work well too. If your dough feels too soft, a quick chill in the fridge helps it firm up perfectly.

Golden raisins give bursts of sweetness and texture, though you can swap them for chopped dates or dried cranberries for a festive twist. The maple icing combines confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of water for a glossy finish that makes these cookies irresistible. For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with coconut oil – it adds a subtle flavor that complements the apple perfectly.

How to Make It (Step Insights)

Every step in this baking iced oatmeal applesauce cookies at home process plays a role in building the perfect cookie. Preheating the oven and lining your sheets ensures even baking and prevents sticking – a small detail that makes a big difference in texture.

Whisking the dry ingredients separately keeps the leavening agents evenly distributed, guaranteeing your cookies rise and stay soft instead of dense. When you cream the butter and sugars, you’re incorporating air – that’s what gives these cookies their delicate, cake-like crumb. The applesauce and egg bring the dough together, adding both flavor and moisture.

Once the dough rests, it firms just enough to bake into chewy perfection. The final drizzle of maple icing seals the deal, adding shine and sweetness. This isn’t just a recipe – it’s an easy, joyful way to make iced oatmeal applesauce cookies at home that taste like a hug from the oven.

Tips for Success

If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Use old-fashioned oats for the best chewy texture – instant oats will make the cookies too soft.
Allow cookies to cool completely before icing so the glaze sets properly.
Try using a small cookie scoop for uniform shapes and even baking.
For a stronger maple flavor, replace the water in the icing with extra maple syrup.

Storage & Reheating

Store your easy iced oatmeal applesauce cookies recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft longer, place a slice of bread in the container – it prevents the cookies from drying out. You can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm a cookie for 10–15 seconds in the microwave, or let thaw at room temperature. The icing may soften slightly but will firm up again once cool.

Serving Suggestions

These quick iced oatmeal applesauce cookies for parties pair beautifully with a cup of tea, cider, or coffee. Serve them alongside Chewy Lemon Cookies or Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake for a dessert platter that shines at any gathering. They’re also a cozy addition to brunch or a fall potluck dessert table.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without raisins?
Absolutely. You can leave them out or replace them with chopped nuts, dates, or cranberries.

Can I use regular applesauce instead of chunky?
Yes, but note that smoother applesauce will make your dough wetter. If that happens, add a tablespoon of flour to balance it out.

Can I make the icing ahead of time?
You can! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days and whisk before using.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes – scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes.

Notes

This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen ever since I discovered how beautifully the applesauce complements the oats. It’s a reminder that some of the best desserts come from simple, classic ingredients. These cookies are soft, comforting, and a little nostalgic – just like baking should be.

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