Applesauce Nuggets
Sweet and spiced applesauce nuggets combine warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with crunchy walnuts and creamy butterscotch for a delightful treat suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 cup broken walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup canned applesauce ⓘ
- 1 egg, well beaten ⓘ
- 6 ounces butterscotch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix and sift the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- Add the broken walnuts to the dry mixture.
- Cream together the shortening and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add baking soda to the canned applesauce and mix well.
- Add the beaten egg to the creamed mixture and blend.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Stir in the butterscotch pieces.
- Drop by teaspoons onto a greased baking sheet, spacing two to three inches apart.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. You can also replace shortening with coconut oil for a healthier fat option. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, consider increasing the brown sugar slightly. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to ensure a light texture. These nuggets can be frozen for later enjoyment, making them a great addition to your batch baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Applesauce Nuggets are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with Vanilla Cream Cheese Sauce For Carrot Cake for added sweetness. Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. They can also be enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a treat in lunchboxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Applesauce Nuggets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Nuggets contains roughly 81 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 fresh apples instead of applesauce?
While fresh apples can be used, they will require additional preparation. You will need to peel, core, and cook the apples down to make a sauce. This may alter the texture and moisture level of the nuggets, so it's best to stick with applesauce for consistent results.
What can I use instead of butterscotch pieces?
If you don't have butterscotch pieces, chocolate chips or peanut butter chips make excellent substitutes. You can also use dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness based on your substitution choice to maintain balance in the recipe.
How do I know when the nuggets are done baking?
The nuggets should be golden brown around the edges and set in the center when done baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.
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).