These soft cinnamon applesauce cookies are like little bites of happiness. Loaded with the sweet taste of apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they’re perfect for any time of day!
Honestly, I can’t resist their cozy aroma baking in the oven. They disappear so fast that I sometimes have to hide a few for myself! 😂 Enjoy them warm or with a glass of milk!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and sweetness. If you want, homemade applesauce can be great here! You can also try using pumpkin puree or mashed bananas as a tasty alternative.
Vegetable Oil: I typically use vegetable oil for a neutral flavor, but melted butter makes these cookies rich and buttery. Just know that butter may make them slightly crispier on the edges!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: The combination brings out great texture and sweetness. You could use coconut sugar for a more natural option if preferred. Just keep an eye on the sweetness level!
Cinnamon: This recipe calls for a tablespoon, but feel free to adjust to your taste. Some folks love a little extra – more cinnamon equals a warmer flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft?
Getting that perfect soft cookie texture comes down to a few key steps. First off, make sure not to overmix your dough once you add the dry ingredients. This helps keep the cookies tender.
- When you scoop the dough, keep it on the thicker side. This helps them retain moisture while baking.
- Watch your bake time! If you take them out when the edges are set but the centers are soft, they’ll continue to firm up on the baking sheet.
- Don’t skip the cooling time – it really helps them stay soft as they finish cooking on the pan.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with soft, delicious cookies every time!
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Applesauce Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Allow some extra time for cooling, making it a total of around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until everything is nice and smooth—this is where the yumminess begins!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Sifting helps to keep your cookies light and fluffy!
4. Mix It All Together:
Now, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough instead of soft!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little while baking.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are set but the centers still feel soft to the touch.
7. Cool Down:
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy!
Now for the best part—enjoy your soft cinnamon applesauce cookies with a cup of tea, milk, or just by themselves! These cookies are sure to be a hit any time of day!
Thanks to the applesauce, these cookies stay soft and moist, bringing a delightful cinnamon flavor in every bite. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Applesauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought unsweetened applesauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to choose a brand that doesn’t have added sugars or flavors for the best result.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen! Just place them in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy again!
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the mixture.
