• Preheat oven to 350°F, with rack in the center.

Prepare Apple Mixture

• In a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat melt 1 Tablespoon of the butter with the diced apples, 1 Tablespoon of the brown sugar, and the corn starch.
• Stir occasionally over medium heat for about 4 minutes, or until apples start to become soft. Set aside to cool.

Make the Cookie Dough

• In a medium sized mixing bowl add the remaining butter, remaining brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer (this step can be done using a stand mixer as well) blend well until light and fluffy.
• In a separate mixing bowl add the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, and stir well.
• Slowly add the butter/applesauce mixture and mix evenly. Then fold in the apple chunks mixture until evenly combined.
• Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop out even amounts of the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. You can form a mound or a ball and flatten into a cookie shape.
• Bake at 350°F for 17-20 minutes or until edges begin to turn brown.
• Let cool on a cooling rack until cool enough to eat. Ice with glaze if desired (See Notes).