If you’re looking for a tender, flavorful treat that’s both comforting and lightly sweet, this Delightful Applesauce Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with warm cinnamon and the natural sweetness of applesauce, these cookies are moist, soft, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or simply craving a wholesome snack, this recipe brings joy with every bite while keeping things simple and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these delightful applesauce cookies lies in their straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the applesauce adding moisture and sweetness, to the cinnamon that gives a cozy spiced flavor throughout.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: A natural sweetener and moisture booster that keeps cookies soft.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender texture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the applesauce.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a rich sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together, giving the dough stability.
How to Make Delightful Applesauce Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Before diving into the dough, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This thorough mixing ensures that every bite has a consistent, delightful burst of cinnamon flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce and brown sugar. Whisk them until smooth before adding in the egg and stirring until fully incorporated. This creates a sweet and moist base that will make these cookies truly tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; the goal is just to combine everything so that the cookies stay soft and don’t turn tough.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow room for spreading. This step is fun and easy, and it helps maintain the perfect cookie size.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until you see they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. Once out of the oven, let them cool for about five minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time allows the cookies to set perfectly without losing their delightful softness.
How to Serve Delightful Applesauce Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra touch, try sprinkling a little powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top just before serving. For a festive feel, a drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the warm flavors of the cookie.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a natural companion to a cozy cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. They also pair nicely with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a wholesome snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, sandwich two cookies with a bit of vanilla or cinnamon whipped cream in between. Or build a dessert platter featuring these applesauce cookies alongside mixed nuts and dried fruits for a snack board that will impress any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Delightful Applesauce Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days, maintaining their signature softness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This quick heat-up revives their softness and enhances that comforting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Using sweetened applesauce will add extra sweetness, so consider reducing the brown sugar slightly to avoid overpowering the cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for baking. Be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum or add a binding agent for the best texture.
How do I ensure my cookies turn out soft and not crunchy?
Keep an eye on the baking time and take the cookies out as soon as the edges turn lightly golden. Overbaking will make them crunchy. Also, don’t overmix the dough, which can toughen the texture.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins adds lovely texture and flavor. Fold them gently into the dough during Step 4 for even distribution.
Are these cookies suitable for kids’ lunch snacks?
Yes, they are perfect! Their natural sweetness and soft texture make them a kid-friendly snack that’s not too sugary but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy baking and tasting this Delightful Applesauce Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, wholesome favorite that brings a touch of warmth and comfort to any day. So go ahead, whip up a batch and share the sweetness with those you love!
Print
Delightful Applesauce Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These delightful applesauce cookies are soft, tender, and lightly spiced with cinnamon. Made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened with unsweetened applesauce and brown sugar, they offer a healthier twist on classic cookies. Perfect for a quick snack or a light dessert, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined to distribute the leavening and spice evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the unsweetened applesauce with brown sugar until smooth. Then stir in the egg until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, sweet wet mixture.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar content and keep the cookies moist without added fat.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving to wire racks to avoid breaking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
