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The feature photo of my Applesauce and Walnut cookies on a cutting board.
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Applesauce and Walnut Cookies

Enjoy the comforting flavors of applesauce and a hint of cinnamon with walnuts for the perfect transition from late summer to early fall.
Prep Time40 minutes
Total Bake Time33 minutes
Chill30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 43 minutes
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 30 cookies
Calories: 213kcal
Author: Barbara Hall

Ingredients

COOKIE DOUGH

  • 1 cup (227 g) Butter unsalted room temperature
  • ½ cup (100 g) Sugar white
  • ½ cup (110 g) Light brown sugar
  • 1 (1) Egg
  • ½ cup (122 g) Unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) Vanilla Extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) All-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) Baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) Kosher Salt
  • ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) Ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (78 g) Chopped walnuts

ICING

  • ½ cup (113.5 g) Butter unsalted
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) Powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons (2 tablespoon) Unsweetened applesauce
  • ⅛ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) Ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Apple juice
  • 1 Tablespoon (1 tablespoon) Half & Half
  • ½ cup (58.5 g) Chopped walnuts for topping

Instructions

COOKIE DOUGH

  • Weigh or measure the light brown and white sugars into a bowl and set aside. Weigh or measure the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon into another bowl. Run a whisk through to blend and set aside.
  • Cream the butter for about a minute or two before adding the sugars. Mix on medium mixer speed for about 3 minutes Add the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce and blend.
  • Turn the mixer speed down and gradually add the flour mixture. You may have to scrape down the bowl. Add the chopped walnuts and blend for another 15 seconds until incorporated. Cover and put into the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C or 180°C) and line 2 cookie sheet pans with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scooper, add 12 scoops of cookie dough to a prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies sit on the pan for a minute before moving them to a cooling rack. Do not overbake, or the cookies could become dry inside.

APPLESAUCE ICING

  • Cream the butter in a mixer for a minute or two. Add the cinnamon, applesauce, apple juice, Half & Half, and powdered sugar. Start on low speed until the powdered sugar is incorporated. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and mix for 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on medium-high speed for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Use a butter knife to spread the icing on each cookie. Finish by adding a few pieces of chopped walnuts on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg