Baked goods often employ interesting ingredients to yield certain textures, and this cookie calls upon applesauce to produce soft, chewy results. Mike requested these some time ago, and they involve many of his preferred ingredients, including raisins, molasses, and cinnamon.
Applesauce is usually used in baking to reduce the fat content in a recipe, but as this one contains a cup of butter, the purpose of applesauce here is more flavor- and texture-based. While cooking the applesauce, raisins, and lemon zest, keep a close eye on the mixture and don’t allow it to go above a simmer and stir it frequently to avoid burning. Be sure to use a very large mixing bowl, as this yields a large quantity of dough.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 3 3/4 cups flour
- 2 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- generous 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons sugar, for shaping
Preparation
In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine applesauce, raisins, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened and raisins are reconstituted, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently and take care not to let the mixture burn; remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl to cool just slightly.
Add butter, brown sugar, and molasses to raisin mixture and stir until butter melts.
Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and stir to combine.
Add flour and stir until evenly incorporated.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least two hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line several baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a two-inch cookie scoop, scoop dough onto prepared sheets, spacing about two to three inches apart.
Grease the bottom of a large drinking glass and dip in sugar, then press to flatten cookies.
Bake for 15 minutes, until edges are slightly darker than centers.
Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
amy bakes in the 'burgh 