Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies

🍪 Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies 🍪

What is it?
Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies are delicious, soft cookies made with a combination of applesauce, raisins, and nuts. These cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and fruity flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the nuts.

History:
The exact origin of Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies is not well-documented, but cookies incorporating applesauce, raisins, and nuts have been popular in American and European baking traditions for many years. These ingredients were commonly used in cookie recipes during the 19th and early 20th centuries when fresh fruits and nuts were not always readily available.

Components:
To make these cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a wooden spoon.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

5. Incorporate Applesauce and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the applesauce to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until it’s well combined. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until the cookie dough forms.

6. Fold in Raisins and Nuts: Gently fold in the raisins and chopped nuts into the cookie dough until they are evenly distributed.

7. Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for the cookies to spread during baking.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.

9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Total Time:
Preparation time for Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies typically takes around 15-20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 10-12 minutes. So, you can expect to have these delicious cookies ready in about 25-32 minutes from start to finish.

Enjoy your homemade Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies! 🍪🍏🥖😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately one cookie):

• Calories: 150-180 kcal
• Total Fat: 8-10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4g
• Cholesterol: 20-25mg
• Sodium: 80-100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18-20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10-12g
• Protein: 2-3g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies are moderate in calories, making them a suitable treat when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Moderate Fat Content: These cookies contain a moderate amount of fat, which primarily comes from the butter and nuts. It’s essential to be mindful of your overall fat intake.

3. Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is relatively low in these cookies, thanks to the use of unsalted butter and applesauce as a partial substitute for fat.

4. Sodium: The sodium content is also relatively low, which is beneficial for those watching their salt intake.

5. Carbohydrates: The cookies are a source of carbohydrates, with some dietary fiber and sugars. The fiber from raisins and the natural sweetness from applesauce contribute to these values.

6. Protein: While not a significant source of protein, these cookies do provide a small amount.

7. Vitamins and Minerals: Applesauce adds a touch of vitamin C and potassium, while nuts can provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium.

Keep in mind that the actual nutrition content may vary slightly based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat and balance them with a healthy overall diet.