Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

These Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional oatmeal raisin cookies. Packed with flavor and texture, these cookies are perfect for a guilt-free treat.

History

Oatmeal raisin cookies have been a popular treat for many years, known for their chewy texture and sweet flavor. This low-fat version of the classic recipe incorporates unsweetened applesauce to reduce the amount of butter needed, making them a healthier option for those looking to indulge without the guilt.

Ingredients

vegetable cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
0.5 cup sugar
0.5 cup light brown sugar
0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.33 cup rolled oats
0.5 cup raisins

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Lightly grease two baking sheets with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute.
Add the applesauce, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix until well blended, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the applesauce mixture and mix well.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the oats and raisins.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on wire racks for 5 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.
These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce to keep the added sugar content low.

- Creaming the butter and sugars together until smooth will help create a light and fluffy cookie.

- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.

- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea for a comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugars together until smooth will help create a light and fluffy cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option.

- Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These cookies are a good source of iron and calcium, providing approximately 2% of the daily recommended intake for each nutrient per serving.

Alergens

These cookies contain wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

These Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a lower-fat alternative to traditional oatmeal raisin cookies, making them a healthier option for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had been flipping through an old cookbook that I had picked up at a yard sale. As soon as I saw the ingredients for the Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, I knew I had to try them.

I remember the first time I made these cookies like it was yesterday. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - rolled oats, whole wheat flour, applesauce, raisins, and a few other simple pantry staples. As I began to mix everything together, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg.

I thought back to the first time I learned to cook. It was my mother who taught me the basics, showing me how to measure ingredients and mix them together. Over the years, I had honed my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and techniques. But there was something special about this particular recipe that spoke to me.

As the cookies baked in the oven, I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When I finally took a bite, I was blown away by the delicious combination of flavors. The sweetness of the raisins, the chewiness of the oats, and the subtle hint of apple all worked together perfectly.

I knew I had stumbled upon a winning recipe, one that I would cherish and pass down through the generations. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, knowing that they would love it just as much as I did.

In the days that followed, I made batch after batch of these cookies, perfecting the recipe and making it my own. I experimented with different types of applesauce, adding in a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. I even tried substituting some of the sugar with honey, creating a slightly healthier version of the cookies.

As I baked and shared these cookies with loved ones, I began to think about all the recipes I had collected over the years. Each one held a special memory, a story to be told. Some had been passed down from my own mother, while others had been shared with me by friends and neighbors.

I remembered the time I had learned to make my grandmother's famous chicken pot pie, filled with tender chunks of chicken and savory vegetables. Or the recipe for homemade bread that a dear friend had taught me, patiently showing me how to knead the dough until it was just right.

Each recipe was like a piece of history, a link to the past that connected me to the people and places that had shaped my life. And as I continued to cook and bake, I realized that sharing these recipes with others was a way of keeping those memories alive.

So now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, mixing together a fresh batch of Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes that have come into my life. They have brought me joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to the world around me.

And as I take a bite of a warm, chewy cookie, I know that I will continue to cook and bake for as long as I am able. Because each recipe is more than just a list of ingredients - it is a story waiting to be shared, a memory waiting to be made.