Applesauce Cookies

INGREDIENTS

COOKIES

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup light-brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup applesauce, preferably homemade (see recipe)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

APPLESAUCE

• 3 pounds apples, (~6 medium), peeled, cored, quartered and chopped into smaller chunks.

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

GLAZE

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

APPLESAUCE (makes more than recipe calls for; save the rest for later)

1. Place the peeled, cored, quartered and chopped apples in a large pot. Add the water, lemon juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.

2. Bring to a boil on high heat, then turn to low and cover. Maintain a low simmer for 30 minutes or until the apples are completely soft and cooked through.

3. Once fully cooked, remove from heat. For a chunky applesauce, mash the apples in the pot with a potato masher. For a smooth applesauce, add to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth (if using a blender, work in batches and allow time to cool).

COOKIES

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until fluffy.

3. Add all dry ingredients and continue mixing until combined. Stir in applesauce.

4. Scoop onto sheet pan, bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Once cool, drizzle with vanilla glaze.

GLAZE

1. Combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in small bowl.

2. Mix well until the glaze is a smooth consistency.