These delightful applesauce cookies are a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. The use of applesauce not only adds a unique flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and tender. Whether you're baking for a family gathering or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep applesauce on hand, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. Look for unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of your cookies. Additionally, make sure you have ground cinnamon and vanilla extract as these are essential for the flavor profile.
Ingredients for Applesauce Cookies Recipe
Applesauce: Provides moisture and a subtle apple flavor to the cookies.
Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning.
Butter: Adds richness and helps with the cookie's texture.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the applesauce.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When creaming together the butter and sugar, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy mixture that will help the cookies rise properly and have a tender texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
applesauce - Substitute with mashed bananas: Mashed bananas provide a similar moisture content and natural sweetness.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, but reduce the amount slightly since honey is sweeter than sugar.
softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a subtle coconut flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cookies denser.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder to achieve a similar leavening effect.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same amount and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile to the cookies.
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How to Store / Freeze Your Cookies
To keep your applesauce cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will ensure they stay soft and chewy for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once the cookies are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen applesauce cookies, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back their freshly baked aroma and texture.
For added flavor, consider sprinkling a bit of ground cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the applesauce cookies on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through.
For a quick and easy method, use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check and repeat if necessary, but be careful not to overheat as they can become rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
For a more unconventional method, you can use a steamer. Place the cookies in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam for about 2-3 minutes. This method helps retain moisture, making the cookies soft and chewy.
If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, checking frequently to avoid burning.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 375°F (190°C).
Large mixing bowl: Used to cream together the butter and sugar, and to mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Used to whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
Another bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture.
Spoon: Used to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
Greased baking sheet: Used to place the dough on for baking, ensuring the cookies do not stick.
Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies after baking.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out smaller quantities like baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and to help transfer the dough onto the baking sheet.
How to Save Time on Making These Cookies
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly cream the butter and sugar together, saving you time.
Line baking sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone mats to line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.
Batch baking: Drop multiple spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet to bake more cookies at once.
Cool quickly: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately after baking to cool faster.
Applesauce Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Nutritional Value
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