Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cookies

📜 Collection: Patsy Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic recipe for soft, cake-like drop cookies made with applesauce, brown sugar, and warm spices. These old-fashioned treats are packed with raisins and nuts for a hearty, nostalgic flavor.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins12 mins2 hours4 dozen cookies

🔪 Key Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • cookie sheets
  • oven

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1/2 CupShorteningroom temperature
1 CupBrown Sugarpacked
1Egglarge
1/4 CupCold Coffeechilled
1 CupApple Saucethick, well-drained
1 3/4 CupsFlourall-purpose
1/2 TeaspoonBaking Sodanone
1/2 TeaspoonSaltnone
1/2 TeaspoonNutmegground
1/2 TeaspoonClovesground
1/2 TeaspoonCinnamonground
1/2 CupRaisinsnone
1/4 CupChopped Nutscoarsely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, thoroughly cream together the 1/2 cup shortening, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 egg.
  2. Stir in the 1/4 cup cold coffee and 1 cup apple sauce until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, then fold in the 1/2 cup raisins and 1/4 cup chopped nuts.
  5. Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your baking sheets.
  2. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the chilled dough 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  3. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are lightly browned, set, and leave almost no imprint when touched lightly.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card