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Instead I decided to republish it and let it have a moment on my homepage. 🙂 I changed the original name because Applesauce Breakfast Cookies is just better than “Healthy Apple Spiced Breakfast or Snack Cookies.” Umm..what was I thinking with that title?!
I also made a minor change to the original recipe. A reader commented that she may try adding oat flour along with the rolled oats, and so I gave that a try one day and realized it gave the cookies more structure and helped them stay together a little better. I have also made these bigger through the years, so I note in the recipe that you can make them small or medium depending on your preference. The smaller size is great if you have a toddler around, the bigger size is great for adults and big kids. The rest of the post is going to be my 2013 self–enjoy these new-to-most-of-you Applesauce Breakfast Cookies!
The other day, I wanted to make my pumpkin breakfast cookies. I had already told Meghan we were having cookies for breakfast. I went into the pantry and…no pumpkin. Who doesn’t have pumpkin stocked in their pantry in October?! I guess I’ve made one too many pumpkin concoctions this fall.
Now you don’t tell a five-year-old little girl you’re having cookies for breakfast and then not give her cookies for breakfast. I knew I was going to be making cookies of some sort.
The bad news is I was out of pumpkin. The good news is a new recipe was born. Necessity breeds invention, right? Something like that.
I called these breakfast or snack cookies because we had them for breakfast and Meghan brought some in her lunch box the following day, too. These healthy cookies are vegan, gluten-free (if you use certified GF oats), refined sugar-free, and nut-free. They are a perfect little nutritious treat for a school lunch!
These healthy cookies could not be easier. One bowl is all you need. Mix up the ingredients, pop them in the oven, and you’re done! 
They are also kid-approved, toddler-approved, and husband-approved. You can’t go wrong when you have the trifecta. 🙂
Applesauce Breakfast Cookies
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 1 dozen 1x
Description
This healthy cookie recipe is vegan and gluten free and is perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth without any added sugar!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup chopped dates (from about 13 dates)
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour (you can blend rolled oats in the blender to make oat flour)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted, or oil of choice
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds plus 3 tablespoons water (or 1 egg)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
- Combine the flaxseed and water in a small bowl and give it a few minutes to gel. (Omit this step if you are using an egg.)
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Form into small or medium balls (small balls will yield 2 dozen cookies, medium balls will yield 1 dozen), flatten, and place on the cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven about 12-15 minutes, until they are just starting to get golden brown. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 106
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Fat: 1.8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
I loved reading your comments and suggestions on what natural products you are loving these days. If you haven’t chimed in yet, please do! I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Can you use rice flour?
I’ve not tried these with rice flour, but I feel like it should work!
I substituted 3/4 cup mashed banana for the dates and it gave the cookies the sweetness it needs. Thanks!
Glad to hear that worked for you! Thank you!
Are the dates left in bigger chunks? Or could you blend them and add it in like a paste?
Small chunks, not like a paste. 🙂
I have so much applesauce that I was looking online for a recipe to use some of it as well as my sister-in-law is displaying her Driftwood Art in Burlington, Ontario, Canada for the first time so she is busy getting more pieces done so I thought it would be nice to give her something to pass out at the bazaar / show. Thanks for being there with a naturally healthy recipe. If you want I will post the results.
I would love to hear how it goes! Thanks! 🙂
Just made them but the true tester is not available right now…
Are the dates required or would it be ok the omit them? I have everything but dates and am looking for yummy treats to aid in weaning.
The dates add some sweetness. Do you have the raisins? You could add more raisins if you omit the dates to make up for the loss of sweetness. If having them less sweet doesn’t bother you, it should work fine to just leave the dates out.
Thank you!
I have been looking for recipes for me grandson (4 years old) because he is allergic to eggs, nuts, and milk making it hard to find something he can eat, and not to mention that he is a very picky eater. Sugar seems to be his go to in food and I want to give him something he will eat and has some redeeming qualities. I see that flax seed is a substitute for eggs but I’m not sure he can have that either. I have a plant based protein powder that I have made smoothies for me and thought I could put that in something. This is new to me and would appreciate any suggestions.
My son loved these, and I loved that they don’t have on so that he can take them to school! He loves ob but everywhere is allergy free now. I like the pumpkin idea!
Do you have a recommended serving size & nutrition information?
Thanks!
Very apple-y and yum!!! Perfect fuel for our family hike today! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the feedback!
I’m thinking of substituting unsweetened dark chocolate chips for the dried fruits my kids aren’t big fans of raisins and such. Also maybe adding a bit of agave.
Dark chocolate chips would be amazing here!
Can I substitute oats flour with wholemeal flour?
I think that should work!
What to do if I don’t have dates? Any good substitutions?
Any other dried fruit will work!
Yummy and healthy! Just made a batch to freeze as snacks for my 11mo and she loves them..and so does our dog walking behind her cleaning up the crumbs!
So glad to hear that Cody! Thanks.
FYI, if you are making these with raisins, you probably shouldn’t let your dog anywhere near them. Raisins are one of the most dangerous foods for dogs!
Hi Maryea,
These cookies look great! Would definitely try them on my 15 month old. Just wondering if thses have a soft chewy texture or more on a crispy side?
Thanks!
They are more chewy. 🙂
These were good! I added 1 Tbsp. honey and a small pinch of sea salt. Other than that- followed it exactly. Thanks for a great new breakfast idea on the run!
Thanks for the feedback, Holly!
Great recipe! Yummy
Check out my site 🙂
http://www.mecooks.com
Can’t wait to try these – love that they’re allergy friendly 🙂
I hope you love them! 🙂
Just made these for breakfast for my 18-month-old and doubled the batch to freeze for snacks! Love the sweet flavor with applesauce, raisins, and dates. When I make them again I might grind a small portion of the oats into flour to make them hold together a little better.
Thanks for letting me know, Ashley!
There’s nothing worse than a pantry without pumpkin…but glad such a delish recipe resulted from that tragedy!
I’m totally stocked up now!! 🙂
My kids would love cookies for breakfast! 🙂 these sound great…both the apple & pumpkin!
Found your blog through your comment on eat,live,run…love it!
I’m glad you found me, Aggie! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂