2 Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now, these cookies kinda look like little russet potatoes, but rest assured, they are a soft, light and moist cookie! I don't know where the recipe came from; only that my mom clipped it from a newspaper many years ago. 

A friend of mine made this recipe using canned pumpkin with excellent results. You can find the recipe here. 

This has been a family favorite for over 40 years and my 16 year old son gets ALL the credit for making these cookies tonight!

Enjoy!

Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield: About 2 dozen

Author: Frieda Franchina

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time:  45 min

These soft, cake-like cookies with the perfect blend of spices will be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup thick applesauce
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Instructions:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine applesauce and baking soda. Set aside.
2. In a separate mixing bowl of electric mixer, cream together shortening and sugar.
3. Add eggs and mix well.
4. Stir in applesauce mixture.
5. Add flour and spices, mixing till combined.
6. Add chocolate chips and nuts and stir till incorporated.
7. Pour the milk, all at once, into the flour mixture, stirring until incorporated.
8. Using a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, place on prepared baking sheet (silicone, parchment paper or lightly greased), about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are dry and when lightly touched in the center, the cookie springs back. Transfer to a wire cooling rack. When cool, store in an airtight container for up to a week.