Oatmeal Raisin Applesauce Cookies

I loved Archway Raisin cookies some years ago, but when the company stopped making them, I learned to make this recipe.

I stumbled upon this recipe when I accidentally upset a jar of Mott's Applesauce into my oatmeal raisin cookie mix.

OATMEAL RAISIN APPLESAUCE COOKIES

Equipment Needed:

Clean and sanitized kitchen counter

Large mixing bowl

Damp washcloth under the mixing bowl to keep it from scooting on the counter

Electric mixer or a second bowl and a wooden spoon

Table forks

A teaspoon

A small cup for beating an egg.

Measuring cups and spoons

At least one cookie sheet

Large spatula

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole-wheat)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup applesauce (or use 1 cup and increase flour by 1/2 cup)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for variety, try almond extract)

1 1/3 cups oats

3/4 cup raisins

Optional:

½ cup walnuts.

½ teaspoon of a spice like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Instructions:

• Pre-heat your oven to 375°F.
• Thinly cover baking sheet(s) with butter, margarine, or cooking spray.
• In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• In a second bowl, or in the bowl of the electric mixer, cream the butter and both sugars together until smooth (I use a bowl and a fork).
• Slightly beat the egg with a fork in a cup.
• To the second mixing bowl, add applesauce, the egg, and the vanilla. Mix or stir until smoothly mixed.
• Add the applesauce mixture to the flour mixture slowly and mix thoroughly. If using an electric mixer, remove the bowl.
• Stir in the oats and raisins.
• Add nuts and spices if desired.
• Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
• Bake until golden brown: 10 to 12 minutes, depending on humidity of your location.
• Remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven and cool on wire racks or tea towels (5-6 minutes). Remove cookies from baking sheet(s) with a spatula and allow to cool more completely on a cookie plate. Store in a cookie jar or air-tight container.