Applesauce Cookies Recipe

By
Jennifer Perillo
Jennifer Perillo
Jennifer Perillo
Jennifer Perillo is an experienced recipe developer, cookbook author, and blogger behind In Jennie's Kitchen.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/17/21
Apple Sauce Cookies

The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 10 to 20 servings
Yield: 20 cookies
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
121 Calories
5g Fat
18g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10 to 20
Amount per serving
Calories 121
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 21mg 7%
Sodium 80mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 19mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Whether you need to use that opened jar of unsweetened applesauce or went crazy canning applesauce last fall, these soft and chewy applesauce cookies are the perfect recipe, and one the whole family will love. Applesauce is naturally sweet, allowing you to use less sugar than in traditional cookie recipes, another win when trying to balance healthy fare and treats. The cinnamon in these applesauce cookies gives them an apple pie flavor, evoking feelings of fall. The final touch comes from a flurry of confectioner’s sugar on top.

Store-bought applesauce works great, but if you’ve wanted to try making homemade applesauce, these soft and chewy applesauce cookies are the ideal reason to try. Whether you make a batch on the stove-top or in your Instant Pot, your cookies are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • Confectioners' sugar, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Apple Sauce Cookie Ingredients
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

  2. Preheat the oven to 375 F with rack in center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to combine; set aside.

    Dry Ingredients
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

  4. In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamy, 3 to 5 minutes.

    Creamed Butter and Sugar
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

  5. Add the egg and beat until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Beat egg into creamed butter
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

  6. Add the flour mixture and applesauce to the bowl. Beat until just combined and there are no visible traces of flour, about 1 minute.

    Apple Sauce Cookie Dough
     The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

  7. Drop the dough 1 1/2 tablespoons at a time, 2 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets.

    Cookie Dough
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

  8. Bake, one tray at a time, until golden around edges and lightly browned on the bottom, 12 to 15 minutes.

  9. Let cool completely on the baking sheets. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar.

    Apple Sauce Cookies
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

  10. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • Fresh from the oven, these cookies are rather delicate. Be sure to let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
  • The flavor develops as they sit overnight so these cookies taste even better the next day.
  • Store in a covered container for up to five days. Their cake-like texture keeps fresh for days, making them a great make-ahead cookie.