Applesauce Cookies (Mix In A Jar)
Soft, flavorful applesauce cookies with raisins and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful homemade treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda in a bowl and stir well. Place the mixture in a clean mason jar and pack down tightly.
- Add remaining ingredients—raisins, chopped nuts, butter or shortening, egg, and applesauce—layering each item and packing each layer.
- Seal the jar with the lid, tie a ribbon around it, and attach a personalized label if desired. Optionally, tie a wooden spoon to the lid with ribbon.
- To bake, whip butter or shortening until light and fluffy. Add the egg and applesauce and beat until well combined.
- Stir in the ingredients from the jar until the dough is well mixed.
- Drop teaspoons of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more nuanced flavor, consider using light brown sugar instead of dark or adding a pinch of nutmeg. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for variation. If you want a healthier twist, replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Make sure to pack the dry ingredients tightly in the jar to prevent settling during storage.
Serving Suggestions
These applesauce cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Thumbprint Butter Cookies at a gathering. Drizzle with a simple icing for added sweetness or enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Cookies (Mix In A Jar) contains roughly 208 calories, with 2g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, it may slightly change the texture of the cookies, making them denser.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Both options will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies moist.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so be cautious not to overbake them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).