Ingredients

• 2 cups quick oats
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tbsp almond butter (or another nut/seed butter)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.

Scoop 1½-tablespoon balls of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten them slightly, as they will not spread while baking.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Cool the cookies completely on the baking sheet to allow them to firm up before serving.

Tips and variations

• For a different texture: Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats for a chewier, more substantial cookie.
• Use applesauce as an egg substitute: In other oatmeal cookie recipes, you can often replace one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for added moisture and binding.
• Add warm spices: Enhance the flavor with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice in addition to cinnamon.
• Incorporate healthy add-ins: Stir in other healthy additions like chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, or flax seeds for extra fiber and nutrients.