Refrigerator Applesauce Cookies are a nostalgic treat rooted in mid-20th-century American home baking. Popularized in the 1940s and 1950s, these cookies showcase the ingenuity of cooks during times when rationing or frugality was common. Lard, often used in place of butter, gives the cookies a tender texture, while applesauce adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness. Spices like cinnamon and cloves create a warm, comforting flavor. These cookies are ideal for making in large batches, chilling, and baking as needed, perfect for busy households and holiday gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup lard
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2½ cups sifted flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- ½ cup applesauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the lard and sugar.
- Beat in the egg until well incorporated.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the nuts and applesauce.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of the chilled dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Let cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips
- Substitute butter or shortening for lard if desired.
- Add raisins or chopped dates for extra texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking for added sweetness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookieCalories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 46IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.2mg
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