Crisp Applesauce Cookies
Crisp applesauce cookies offer a delightful combination of warm spices, tender applesauce, and chewy raisins, perfect for a cozy snack or light dessert for spice lovers and cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup whole bran cereal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diet margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar equivalent sweetener ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup white raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, cloves, and salt.
- Beat margarine, sweetener, and egg until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour mixture and applesauce alternately, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in raisins and cereal.
- Drop teaspoons of dough onto a greased cookie sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour or using unsweetened applesauce to reduce sugar. If you want extra texture, add chopped nuts or seeds. Ensure your margarine is at room temperature for easier mixing, and for a variation, try adding a dash of vanilla extract. These cookies can also be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Crisp Applesauce Cookies warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with Mae Regan's Lemon Bread for a refreshing contrast. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a fun dessert, or serve them as a sweet snack during brunch gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crisp Applesauce Cookies contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 types of sweeteners in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. However, adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly, as these are liquid sweeteners. You may also need to reduce the amount of applesauce slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
What can I substitute for the whole bran cereal?
If you don’t have whole bran cereal, you can use oats or crushed cereal flakes as a substitute. This will still provide a nice texture while keeping the cookies hearty. Just make sure to adjust the amount slightly to maintain the balance in the dough.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit until gelatinous). You can also use a plant-based margarine to replace the diet margarine.
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).