Elevate Your Dessert Game: Delicious Applesauce Cookies

Looking for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these delightful Applesauce Cookies! Made with simple ingredients and infused with the warm spices of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these cookies are a comforting indulgence perfect for any occasion. Join us as we explore this mouthwatering recipe, along with some handy tips, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions to suit different dietary preferences!

Introduction

Applesauce is not just for snacking or baking cakes – it’s also a wonderful addition to cookie recipes! These Applesauce Cookies are a testament to the versatility of this humble ingredient. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats!

Ingredients:

For the Applesauce Cookies:

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup shortening
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, egg, brown sugar, and shortening. Beat together until smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If desired, fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten the cookies slightly, as they will not spread much during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges.
Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, indulge in these deliciously spiced cookies!

Cook Notes and Variations:

Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to customize these cookies to suit your taste preferences. You can add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor, or experiment with different mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans.
Make Them Healthier: For a healthier version of these cookies, you can substitute some of the ingredients. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and replace the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for added moisture.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a more intense spice flavor, you can increase the amounts of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in the recipe. Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of certain spices, you can adjust or omit them according to your taste.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: To make keto-friendly applesauce cookies, you’ll need to make some substitutions to reduce the carb content. Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar. You can also use melted butter or coconut oil instead of shortening.

Low-Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, follow the same substitutions as the keto version but choose ingredients that are lower in carbs. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe, but you’ll still be able to enjoy delicious, low-carb cookies!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought? A: Yes, homemade applesauce can be used in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and has a smooth consistency similar to store-bought applesauce.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q: Can I omit the raisins and nuts? A: Yes, the raisins and nuts are optional and can be omitted if desired. However, they add texture and flavor to the cookies, so feel free to include them if you enjoy their taste.

These delightful Applesauce Cookies are a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making them a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert on a chilly evening or looking for a tasty snack to enjoy with your morning coffee, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time. So why wait? Get baking and indulge in the irresistible flavor of these homemade treats today!