One-Bowl Soft Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Soft, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies made in one bowl with applesauce and oats. Easy, cozy recipe for the best homemade oatmeal cookies ever!
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that’s simple to make and full of wholesome flavor, these One-Bowl Soft Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the answer. With chewy oats, juicy raisins, and the natural sweetness of applesauce, these cookies deliver that nostalgic, homemade flavor everyone loves. Perfectly soft in the center with slightly crispy edges, this is the perfect oatmeal cookie to enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
What makes this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe so special is that it uses just one bowl and no complicated steps. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it easy for even first-time bakers to whip up a batch of chewy oatmeal raisin cookies. Using applesauce instead of extra butter keeps these cookies soft, moist, and a bit healthier, while the sweet raisins and old-fashioned oats add plenty of chewy texture and natural sweetness. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a lot of oatmeal raisin cookie recipes out there, but this one stands out because it’s foolproof and unbelievably soft. The combination of unsweetened applesauce and brown sugar gives these cookies a deep, caramel-like flavor and tender texture. You don’t need a stand mixer or even a separate bowl — just one large bowl to combine your wet ingredients and dry ingredients, and you’re good to go.
If you love soft cookies with chewy centers and just the right amount of crispy edges, this is the perfect recipe for you. The juicy raisins stay plump thanks to the moisture in the applesauce, and the old-fashioned oats give that classic heartiness that makes old fashioned oatmeal raisin cookies so satisfying. Whether you’re baking these for the holidays or an everyday treat, these easy oatmeal raisin cookies will become your new go-to.
Breakdown of the Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, but each one plays an important role in creating the best texture and flavor:
- Butter: Use room temperature butter for best results. It helps the cookie dough come together smoothly and gives the cookies their rich flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
- Applesauce: Acts as a substitute for some of the fat, making the cookies soft and tender while adding natural sweetness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the dough.
- Baking soda & salt: The baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly, while the salt balances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough that gives it structure.
- Old-fashioned oats: The key to that chewy, hearty texture.
- Raisins: Use plump raisins for bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the oat mixture for that perfectly soft texture.
Optional: For a little extra flavor, try adding a hint of cinnamon to the dough — it complements the applesauce and oats beautifully.
How to Make the Recipe
This is a truly one-bowl oatmeal raisin cookie recipe, making cleanup a breeze. Follow these simple steps for the best oatmeal raisin cookies every time:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheets or a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, then stir in the purpose flour (all-purpose flour) until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add the oats and raisins: Stir in the old-fashioned oats, sweet raisins, and milk until the cookie dough is evenly mixed. The dough should be thick but scoopable.
- Shape the cookies: Use a cookie scoop or a measuring cup to portion the dough into balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the baked cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack or cooling rack to cool completely — or enjoy one warm right away!
This great recipe gives you chewy oatmeal cookies with crispy edges and perfectly soft centers every single time.
How to Store the Cookies
Once cooled, transfer your cookies to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
For even better texture after freezing, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before eating — it’ll make them taste like they just came out of the oven.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature butter: It creams more easily with sugar than cold butter and gives the cookies a smoother texture.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour and oats, stir until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Check early: Every oven is different, so start checking at the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Customize your mix-ins: Swap half the raisins for chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you like variety.
- Measure carefully: Use a measuring cup for your ingredients, especially flour and oats, for the best results.
- Add a hint of cinnamon: For extra warmth, mix in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your oat mixture.
These small touches help create the perfect oatmeal cookie every time.
With crispy edges, soft centers, and naturally sweet raisins, these bowl oatmeal raisin cookies are everything you want in a homemade treat. Whether it’s your first time making them or your hundredth, this easy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe will deliver the perfect results every single time.
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FAQs
Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?
You can, but using melted butter will make the cookies spread more and give them a slightly denser texture. For chewy cookies with tender centers, stick with softened butter.
Can I substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but they’ll make the cookies less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give you that hearty, classic oatmeal cookie texture.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies usually mean your butter was too warm or you overmixed the dough. Make sure your butter is just room temperature, not melted, and don’t over-stir.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping.
What makes these the best oatmeal raisin cookies?
It’s all about the balance — plump raisins, old-fashioned oats, applesauce for moisture, and that soft, chewy texture. Plus, everything comes together in one bowl for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
One-Bowl Soft Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter unsalted, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the applesauce, egg, and vanilla, and stir until fully combined.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then mix in the flour until just incorporated.
- Add the oats, raisins, and milk, and stir until everything is evenly mixed. The dough will be thick and a bit sticky.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool on a wire rack — or enjoy one warm right away!