Looking for a deliciously healthy treat to enjoy on cozy evenings at home or as a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one? These Cookies Made with Applesauce are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor. Packed with the natural sweetness of applesauce and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/2 cup soft butter
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1 cup raisins (optional)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat your oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
2. **Prepare the wet ingredients**: In a mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, soft butter, and brown sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3. **Add the eggs**: Crack the eggs into the bowl with the applesauce mixture. Beat the eggs into the mixture until everything is well combined. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together and give your cookies a nice texture.
4. **Combine the dry ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients will give your cookies structure and flavor.
5. **Combine wet and dry ingredients**: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
6. **Fold in the extras (if using)**: If you’re adding raisins or chopped walnuts to your cookies, now is the time to fold them into the dough. These extras will add bursts of flavor and texture to your cookies.
7. **Shape the cookies**: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
8. **Bake the cookies**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft coming out of the oven.
9. **Cool and enjoy**: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve these Cookies Made with Applesauce with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful treat any time of day!
These Cookies Made with Applesauce are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. The natural sweetness of the applesauce, combined with warm spices and optional add-ins like raisins and walnuts, make these treats a must-have for your baking repertoire. Enjoy the cozy aroma that fills your home as these cookies bake to perfection, and savor every bite of their soft, chewy goodness. With this simple recipe, you can bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your kitchen and delight your taste buds with every bite.
