Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that perfectly balances the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples. That’s exactly what you get with these Applesauce Cookies. They’re not just a treat; they’re a cozy embrace in cookie form.
These cookies are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack on a rainy day, a delightful addition to your tea time, or a homemade treat for your loved ones, these Applesauce Cookies are sure to impress.
Table of contents
Applesauce Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice blend
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s at room temperature)
- 1 cup of light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (also at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¾ cup of cinnamon applesauce
For the Icing:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (room temperature is best)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of half & half or whole milk
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of apple pie spice blend for garnish
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Baking Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice blend.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed to cream the butter and light brown sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy texture, which should take about a minute. Then, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated into the mix.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon applesauce, mixing for another minute.
- Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures: On a low speed, gently blend the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the flour is fully incorporated. Remember, overmixing is a no-no for the perfect cookie texture.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, place scoops of batter onto your prepared baking tray, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see a lovely golden hue on the edges. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: While the cookies are baking and cooling, whip up the frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar with a handheld mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and half & half, blending until smooth. If needed, add a bit more half & half to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency, but be cautious not to make it too runny.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each one with about a tablespoon of the cream cheese frosting. Finish them off with a sprinkle of apple pie spice blend for that extra touch of flavor.
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Applesauce Cookies FAQS
Moisture: Applesauce adds moisture to baked goods, making them softer and more tender.
Fat Reduction: It’s often used as a substitute for fats (like butter or oil), which can lower the overall fat content of the dish.
Sugar Reduction: Applesauce can also contribute natural sweetness, allowing for a reduction in added sugars.
Texture: It can change the texture of baked goods, sometimes making them denser.
Healthier Option: Applesauce is a popular ingredient in healthier baking recipes due to its lower fat content and added nutrients.
Fat: Applesauce is commonly used as a substitute for fats like butter, oil, or margarine. The general substitution ratio is 1:1, but you might need to experiment to get the right texture.
Eggs: In some recipes, applesauce can be used as an egg substitute, especially in vegan baking. Approximately 1/4 cup of applesauce can replace one egg, but this may vary depending on the recipe.
Sugar: While not a direct substitute for sugar, applesauce can be used to reduce the amount of sugar needed in a recipe due to its natural sweetness.
Yes, you can use applesauce in place of butter in baking. It’s a common substitution in healthier baking recipes. The ratio is typically 1:1, but you may need to adjust this depending on the recipe and desired outcome. Keep in mind that while applesauce reduces fat content, it can also change the texture and density of the baked good.
Applesauce can be used to reduce the amount of sugar in a recipe, but it’s not a direct substitute. Since applesauce adds moisture and has a different consistency than sugar, replacing all the sugar with applesauce can significantly alter the texture of the baked item. It’s recommended to start by substituting only a portion of the sugar with applesauce and adjusting as needed.
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Print
Applesauce Cookies
Soft, chewy, and irresistibly good! 
These Applesauce Cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Get your apron ready and bake a batch today! 
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Cookies:
- 2½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice blend
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s at room temperature)
- 1 cup of light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (also at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¾ cup of cinnamon applesauce
Ingredients for the Icing:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (room temperature is best)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of half & half or whole milk
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of apple pie spice blend for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice blend.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed to cream the butter and light brown sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy texture, which should take about a minute. Then, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated into the mix.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon applesauce, mixing for another minute.
- Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures: On a low speed, gently blend the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the flour is fully incorporated. Remember, overmixing is a no-no for the perfect cookie texture.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, place scoops of batter onto your prepared baking tray, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see a lovely golden hue on the edges. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: While the cookies are baking and cooling, whip up the frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar with a handheld mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and half & half, blending until smooth. If needed, add a bit more half & half to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency, but be cautious not to make it too runny.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each one with about a tablespoon of the cream cheese frosting. Finish them off with a sprinkle of apple pie spice blend for that extra touch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes