Apple pie is one of those flavours that feels like a warm hug, but the real thing needs pastry, butter, sugar and a lot of patience. These cookies capture the same cosy taste using just four pantry staples, and they come together in a single bowl in about ten minutes of hands-on time. There’s no wheat flour, egg, dairy, butter, oil or refined sugar involved, so they suit plenty of dietary needs and make a sensible after-school snack or tea-time treat. Here’s how to make them in five easy steps.
Because they contain no preservatives, they won’t last as long as shop-bought biscuits. Start by blitzing about half the oats in a blender or food processor into a coarse flour, which helps the cookies hold together without eggs or oil. Tip that into a bowl with the remaining whole oats, then stir in the applesauce, maple syrup and cinnamon until the mixture is evenly sticky and holds together when pressed. Let it rest for about ten minutes, so the oats can soak up the moisture. If it seems too wet, add a spoonful of oats, and if it’s dry, add a splash more applesauce. Four ingredients make a good base, but you can add extras if you like. Stir in a handful of chopped dried apple, raisins, chopped walnuts or a pinch of nutmeg and a drop of vanilla for a fuller apple pie taste. Store the cookies in an airtight container for three to four days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They freeze well for a couple of months too.