Applesauce Drop Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Applesauce Drop Cookies are soft, flavorful treats with a hint of cinnamon and raisins, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings. Their moist texture and nutty crunch make them appealing to both kids and adults, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and spice in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups shortening
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 4 1/2 cups flour, sifted
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • 2 cups seedless raisins

Instructions

  1. Mix together thoroughly shortening, sugar, and eggs; stir in applesauce.
  2. Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves; stir into sugar mixture.
  3. Mix in raisins and chopped nuts.
  4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Place a quarter maraschino cherry on top of each cookie for decoration.
  6. Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cookie, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. If you're out of nuts, try adding oats or seeds for texture. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. If you want extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Always taste your dough and adjust spices as desired.

Serving Suggestions

These Applesauce Drop Cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a fun twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make a great snack when paired with a

Storage & Reheating

Store any 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 to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Applesauce Drop Cookies contains roughly 388 calories, with 3g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 566mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

388 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 22.9g 29% DV
Carbs 43.6g 16% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 565.8mg 25% DV
Potassium 122.8mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 14.8mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 155.8mg 12% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 other fruits instead of applesauce?

Yes, you can substitute applesauce with other fruit purees like mashed bananas or pumpkin puree. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and moisture content of the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them since baking times may vary based on your oven.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! To make these cookies vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based shortening or coconut oil instead of regular shortening.

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).

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