Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

I first had these cookies a few years ago when my cousin's husband brought them into work.  It was the first time I had ever tasted an applesauce cookie and I was immediately a fan.  

They are so light and soft and delicious.  They are a thick, cake-like, cookie full of flavor and rich chocolate chips.  The texture reminds me of a thick pumpkin cookie.  

Since this recipe makes a big batch, I decided to share.  I walked over to the neighbors with a plate full of warm cookies and everyone came over to reach for a cookie, then when I said they are applesauce cookies, they immediately pulled their hands back.  I said come on just try them if you don't like them, you can throw it away.  Then, everyone took a bite and then reached for a 2nd cookie.  They loved them.

You might also like:

Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
Brown Butter M&M Cookies
Nutella Pumpkin Swirled Cookies
Cutler's Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies

Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies
From: Dave A. 
(Printable Recipe)

1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 large eggs
1 c. applesauce
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 (12 oz.) bag chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar; add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.  Mix in the applesauce and vanilla.  In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa powder.  Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.  

Stir in the chocolate chips (I like to add half now and then save the other half to press on top of the dough balls before baking).   Drop about 1 1/2 Tablespoons of cookie dough, per cookie, onto a greased baking sheet or use a cookie scoop.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Cool cookies on wire rack.  Makes around 30-36 cookies.  

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