Banana Oat Applesauce Cookies

Banana Oat Applesauce Cookies are soft, cozy, and naturally sweet, making them perfect for everyday baking. Because ripe bananas and smooth applesauce provide moisture and gentle sweetness, these cookies stay tender without feeling heavy. At the same time, hearty rolled oats add rustic texture, while warm cinnamon brings everything together beautifully.

Unlike traditional oatmeal cookies, these rely on simple pantry ingredients. Therefore, they come together quickly and bake evenly. Plus, since the dough is thick and spoonable, shaping is effortless. Whether you’re baking for a relaxed weekend or prepping snacks for the week, this recipe delivers dependable results.

Interestingly, oat-based cookies became popular during times when home bakers wanted filling treats made from staple ingredients. Today, that tradition continues. However, this version feels lighter and more modern.

Serve them slightly warm, or let them cool completely for a softer center. Either way, they’re wholesome, comforting, and easy to love.

Recipe Yield: 12 cookies

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix wet ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk mashed banana, applesauce, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and combined.

3. Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, stir oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.

4. Form the dough:
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. As a result, a thick, textured dough will form.

5. Shape the cookies:
Scoop 2 tbsp portions onto the prepared sheet. Flatten gently since these cookies spread only slightly.

6. Bake and cool:
Bake 13–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Cool on the pan 5 minutes before transferring.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Oat Applesauce Cookies will be. Therefore, avoid underripe fruit for best results.
• Do not overbake: Although the edges should turn golden, the centers will look slightly soft. However, they firm up as they cool, creating that perfect tender texture.
• Let dough rest briefly: Allowing the dough to sit for 5 minutes helps the oats hydrate evenly. As a result, the cookies bake thicker and more uniform.