Thank you so much for the sweet comments about my pantry! You are all incredibly kind. That was a fun project and I was so excited to share it with all of you!
These last few days have been crazy. Life is so busy right now (I’m sure you can all relate!) and December is flying by way too quickly. Kids are out of school after this week and I’m hoping everything slows down so that we can just enjoy the holiday together. I finally got my Christmas cards mailed out and finished up my friend/neighbor/teacher gifts today.
I didn’t make my cards and I just kept things really simple for gifts and made cookies. Nothing too creative this year. I have to save my creativity for entertaining Kole. That boy is sucking the life right out of me these days! But I did manage to bake! Which is a feat for me with or without my 20 month old sidekick.
Because I’ve made our Christmas Pretzel Hugs for the past few years, I decided to mix it up and make Applesauce cookies. And I have to share my applesauce cookie recipe with all of you because they are SO good. Really. They are. My mom always made these cookies when I was growing up (the recipe is from my grandma) and the smell of them brings back happy childhood memories. Maybe making them will bring back happy childhood memories for you too. Probably not, but it’s worth a try, right?
{Applesauce Cookies}
Ingredients:
I cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 cups applesauce
4 eggs
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 pkg chocolate chips
Directions:
First mix together the sugar and shortening. Add eggs, then add the applesauce and soda combined. (I just put the 2 tsp of soda right into the applesauce can and stir away. The applesauce kind of rises and sizzles. That’s my favorite part. :)
Add the rest of the dry ingredients (I love that most of them are 1 tsp. – makes it harder to mess things up. Although one time I messed up big time. I made these and forgot the flour. How do you forget the flour? I don’t know but I did and wouldn’t recommend it.)
Bake @ 350 for 15-20 minutes
Five reasons you should make these: 1 – They’re delicious. 2 – They’re easy – if I can make them correctly (most of the time), anyone can. 3 – The cinnamon and spices will make your house smell so Christmassy! It’s the best! 4 – They have applesauce in them so you can pretend they are good for you. They’re not. But it’s always fun to pretend. 5 – You’ll want to see the applesauce sizzle part. It’s just cool.
I doubled this recipe and made 95 cookies so it probably makes around 46-48 per batch.
Then I just used some cute Rudolph plates, clear wrap, and red ribbon to make them look pretty.
All wrapped up and ready to deliver!
The only problem is that I need at least 10 more plates of cookies. Plus Kenny came home tonight and was so bummed there weren’t any left for him. Looks like another batch of cookies is in my future! I tend to eat my fair share of things that I bake so it’s a good thing they have applesauce in them and are so good for me.
I painted that little cake stand to use for decor…
but so far is has been perfect to hold some of the little candles I bought to deliver with the cookies. Remember the Fresh Balsam candle from Bath and Body Works that I mentioned in my favorite things post?
I’m kind of obsessed with it. In fact I bought four of the large candles for teacher gifts…
but this one seemed to be calling “light me!”. So I did.
Smells so good. Almost as good as my healthy applesauce cookies.
Ellie made some beautiful artwork that just so happens to match the aqua/silver decor we are going with around here. I was impressed. It’s not every second grader who takes her house color palette into consideration before creating. ;)
And while we’re on the subject of art, I have to share a close up of another picture Ellie recently drew. That has to be the cutest reindeer and Santa “Claws” I’ve ever seen. :)
And here’s Addison’s awesome hundreds chart which has nothing to do with Christmas, our decor, cookies or anything else for that matter. But I can’t brag about one daughter and not the other. What kind of mom would I be?
(Dec. 2010)
So proud of both of my girls. So proud of my applesauce cookies.
Enjoy! And if you bake these cookies let me know how they turn out! Don’t forget the flour and they’ll become a family favorite for sure.
:)
xoxo, Erin
Hi Erin! I agree, Jen is amazing as her fellow blogger buddy, Amanda, who I have known forever. Her mom and mine are BFF’s. Funny how small the world is. Anyhow, I enjoy your blog so much. I just made your pretzel cookies and linked to your blog. I also am obsessed with your blog since I would love to live in San Diego. (I just said “your blog” too many times) Dream! I was on the central coast when hubby was stationed there but they moved us to Germany which is where we are now. Anyhow, I too started a blog and wanted you to take a look. Talk to you soon!
http://delightfullycoconuts.blogspot.com/
The cookies sound super yummy! You have quite the budding artist in your family. I was in B&BW the other day and those candles are divine. I’ll be baking up a storm today for Saturday’s dessert party we are hosting in honor of our oldest’s graduation.
I love Jen’s blog too, I visit daily. How much applesauce is in the can? I make my own applesauce and jarred it. I would to try to make your cookies and then pretend they are good for me too!
I love that the reindeer look they are just standing around, chatting a bit….before they head out with Santa….oh and that she included Rudolph! I am definitely going to try those cookies!!!
I’d love to try these as well, I’ll echo Bette and ask how much applesauce in your can? Mine comes in a big jar :)
wait! you baked? well done and they look awesome.
Love both yours and Jen’s blog xx
Gosh you’re like super mom! =) haha love all the adorable gift ideas from your blog this season! Poppping over from IHeartOrganizing for the first time! Loving your blog Erin!!!
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
Sariah made your famous pretzel hugs for a YW activity last night and they were a hit! So easy to make.
Sad I’m not there to taste your cookies but hey…you baked!!! You’re awesome.
xoxo
Your cookies look delicious. I’m going to have to try them, but I have a question. How many oz is a can of applesauce? I’ve never seen a can at our store, only jars and I want to make sure I’m using the right amount. I can’t wait to try these.
And you’re right about Jen! She is FANTASTIC! She has so many great ideas and I’m so glad she featured you! You also have a FANTASTIC blog and I can’t wait to see what else you come up with
Yum. How much applesauce is in your can?
Hi everyone!
Ok – a can is around 14.5 oz. I bought a 48 oz. jar of applesauce because I was doubling the recipe and used about 1/3 of it. I just kind of estimated and the cookies turned out fine so as long as you are using around the size of a regular can of beans they’ll taste great!
:)
Thank you for letting us know! can’t wait to make them!
testimonial…all my kids were raving about your cookies!!! Rebecca was even heard saying, “man those are really good cookies!” Thanks for sharing the recipe Erin. Love the art work too! xoxo
These are great! It’s just like a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie, but with the applesauce instead. I’m about halfway through cooking them right now and I already have a good 4 dozen cookies. I wonder if I’m making smaller cookies than yours? I just used a small cookie scoop and it’s only taking ten minutes per batch.
Super yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe! For as little as you claim to cook, you’re pretty good at it. I used your taco salad bowl recipe a while ago, too, and my whole family loved it.
Those sound delicious! I wonder if they would be good with the cinnamon chips instead of chocolate chips.
Way to go on the baking! My Mom used to make applesauce cookies too! I LOVE them, so soft and yummy, and definitely healthy! :) Love Ellie’s art work as usual! She really is so creative, I always love when you post the girls art and handwriting. Cute, cute. Have you decided if your coming up during Christmas break?
U r too funny!!! “Just use as much as in a regular can of beans”. Such the culinary expert:)
Thanks so much Jen! Such a sweet comment. You’ll have me thinking I can cook if you’re not careful! :) I’m glad you liked the cookies!
Definitely going to try those applesauce cookies…thanks for sharing!
Your pantry looks amazing! I’ve been eying those labels for awhile now…I think I just need to get some!
I keep meaning to tell you, that if we had a little girl, her name was going to be addison. Love that name…and you have a cute one!
This brings back sweet memories. We received lots of applesauce for a wedding gift 28 years ago and we were so excited with our applesauce cookie recipe we found. Its still one of Steve’s favorites WHEN I venture into the kitchen.
I just discovered your blog last month and love it. I made these cookies tonight and love them, too!
Thanks Kimberly! I’m thrilled you love my blog AND my cookies! :)
Those cookies look yummy! And I LOVE the color on your walls! :)
Erin, I had to laugh that you forgot the flour in your cookies. I’ve done the exact same thing, but with banana bars (which are also delicious and “good for you” because of the bananas) Anyway, I made them for a family dinner with the “in-laws” and forgot the flour, how embarrassing! ;)