Description
Irresistible applesauce cookies blend warmth and nostalgia into each delectable bite. Cinnamon-spiced sweetness and tender textures invite comfort seekers to savor homemade magic with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
Moisture and Flavor:
- 3/4 cup applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Binding and Leavening:
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Cream together softened butter with white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending thoroughly until fully integrated.
- Gently fold in the applesauce, which will contribute moisture and subtle fruity undertones to the cookie dough.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredient mixture with the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- If desired, fold in chopped walnuts to add a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the cookies.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers appear set.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, tender texture.
Notes
- Swap applesauce for mashed bananas or pumpkin puree to create delightful flavor variations that keep the cookies moist and interesting.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising the soft, tender texture.
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for deeper, more complex warm spice notes that elevate the cookie’s overall taste profile.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and ensure thicker, more structured cookies with a perfect chewy center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg