Name: Iced Applesauce Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated cane sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon allspice (or ginger); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup applesauce; 6 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil); 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan alternative); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 x recipe of Powdered Sugar Icing (1 Minute Powdered Sugar Icing, recipe not included)

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, delightful treat that’s bursting with warm spices and fruity goodness, you have to try these Iced Applesauce Cookies. They combine the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a cookie that is tender, chewy, and perfectly balanced. The light powdered sugar icing adds just the right touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or an inviting holiday gathering, these Iced Applesauce Cookies feel like a warm hug you can eat.

Iced Applesauce Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create complex flavors and textures. Each element plays an important role—from the oats adding chewiness to the cinnamon and cloves delivering that irresistible spice note. Using applesauce not only sweetens naturally but keeps the cookies tender and moist, making these cookies delightfully soft and comforting.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and fluff.
1/2 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats: Adds a subtle nuttiness and a pleasant chew.
1/2 cup light brown sugar: Brings sweetness and a slight molasses flavor for depth.
1/4 cup granulated cane sugar: Contributes to a delicate sweetness and helps with browning.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: The warm spice that pairs perfectly with applesauce.
1/2 teaspoon allspice (or ginger): Adds complexity and a hint of zing.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Enhances the cozy, spiced aroma.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to boost flavor depth.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise beautifully without becoming cakey.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
1/2 cup applesauce: The star ingredient that keeps cookies moist and naturally sweet.
6 tablespoons neutral oil: Adds richness and keeps the texture tender.
1 egg (or flax egg for vegan): Binds everything together while keeping the dough soft.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides a lovely fragrant warmth that lifts the whole cookie.
2 x recipe of Powdered Sugar Icing: For that classic, sweet icing drizzle that makes these cookies extra special.

How to Make Iced Applesauce Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep is quick but essential for even baking and easy cookie removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In one medium bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients—flour, oats, sugars, spices, baking soda, and salt—until perfectly combined. In another bowl, whisk your wet ingredients—applesauce, oil, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract. Keeping them separate at first makes blending smooth and ensures even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Combine Everything into a Sticky Dough

Pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. It will be wetter than you might expect, but that’s just right for these soft, chewy cookies. Resist the urge to add more flour.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Pop the bowl into the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough slightly, making it easier to scoop and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 5: Portion and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, make 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto your parchment-lined sheets. Space them evenly and try not to move them after placing, so they bake into lovely, uniform rounds.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are lightly browned and the tops just set. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding the icing—warm cookies can cause the icing to melt right off.

Step 7: Drizzle with Powdered Sugar Icing

Once cooled, create a criss-cross icing drizzle using a fork and the prepared Powdered Sugar Icing. This sweet finish adds a beautiful touch and an extra layer of flavor that sets these Iced Applesauce Cookies apart from the rest.

How to Serve Iced Applesauce Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar enhances each cookie’s texture and warming spices. If you want to get creative, a tiny dab of cream cheese frosting in the center adds a tangy contrast that’s just heavenly.

Side Dishes

These cozy cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks like chai tea, cinnamon-spiced coffee, or a comforting mug of warm apple cider. For a snack platter, offer alongside fresh fruit slices or a mild cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Iced Applesauce Cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary or mini pumpkins for a seasonal decorative touch. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of vanilla buttercream for an irresistible twist or arrange them in clear jars tied with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Iced Applesauce Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft by maintaining moisture balance. They stay tender and fresh, perfect for quick snacks or sharing later.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-iced cookies for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and add the icing before serving for best results.

Reheating

To refresh stored cookies, warm them in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked aroma and soft texture. If using the icing, add it after reheating to keep the drizzle looking fresh and intact.

FAQs

Can I use applesauce from a jar, or should it be homemade?

You can absolutely use store-bought applesauce. Just make sure it’s unsweetened or lightly sweetened to control the overall sugar content. Homemade applesauce works beautifully too and can add a lovely fresh apple flavor.

What is the best way to make this recipe vegan?

Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a neutral oil. Also, ensure the powdered sugar icing recipe you use is vegan-friendly, avoiding any dairy ingredients.

Can I substitute the rolled oats with quick oats?

While you can use quick oats, rolled oats give a better texture to the Iced Applesauce Cookies because they hold their shape and add chewiness. Quick oats might make the cookie softer and less textured but still tasty.

How thick should I make the icing drizzle?

The powdered sugar icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but fluid enough to drizzle easily from a fork or spoon. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of water; if too thin, add more powdered sugar to reach the perfect consistency.

Can I add mix-ins like raisins or nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding raisins, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries can enhance the flavor and texture. Just fold in about 1/3 cup of your chosen add-ins during Step 3 right before chilling the dough.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking Iced Applesauce Cookies. They feel like a little celebration of fall and warmth in every bite, with their soft texture, aromatic spices, and that pretty icing drizzle that makes them irresistible. Give these cookies a try; I promise they’ll become a fast favorite for cozy afternoons, sharing with friends, or satisfying those sweet cravings that deserve a thoughtful treat.

Iced Applesauce Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Iced Applesauce Cookies are a delightful treat featuring warm spices and a moist texture, sweetened with applesauce and topped with a simple powdered sugar icing. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are both comforting and flavorful, ideal for fall or any time you crave a cozy homemade cookie.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients including flour, oats, sugars, and spices. In another medium bowl, whisk together applesauce, oil, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Note that the dough will be wetter than typical cookie dough.
Chill the Dough: Place the bowl of dough into the refrigerator and chill for 10 minutes to help the dough firm up slightly, which will make it easier to handle when forming cookies.
Scoop and Arrange Cookies: Using a cookie scoop (size 40) or two spoons, form 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough and drop them evenly spaced onto the prepared baking sheets. Avoid moving or adjusting the cookies once placed to maintain shape.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling or icing.
Ice the Cookies: Once cooled, create a criss-cross drizzle using the prepared powdered sugar icing and a fork, or decorate as desired.
Storage: Store iced cookies at room temperature in an airtight container or cookie tin for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze un-iced cookies for up to 3 months and add icing after thawing.

Notes

You can substitute allspice with ground ginger for a different but complementary spice flavor.
Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5-10 minutes) for a vegan option.
The dough will be stickier and wetter than traditional cookie dough, so chilling is important to help with portioning.
If you don’t have a size 40 cookie scoop, use a tablespoon measure (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) for consistent cookie size.
Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent melting and spreading of the glaze.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and moist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American