Refrigerator Applesauce Cookies are a beloved vintage treat that evoke the charm of mid-20th-century home baking. Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices, and moistened with rich applesauce, these cookies are soft, chewy, and warmly spiced. The dough is chilled before baking, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time—a hallmark of practical home cooks. These cookies combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and apples, offering a cozy aroma that fills the kitchen. They’re ideal for autumn afternoons, family gatherings, or anyone seeking an old-fashioned dessert reminiscent of homemade warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup lard
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2½ cups flour (sifted)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ cup nuts (chopped )
- ½ cup applesauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together lard and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat well.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and applesauce until evenly blended.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Substitute butter or vegetable shortening for lard if preferred.
- Add ½ cup of raisins or chopped dates for a fruity twist.
- For a lighter texture, replace half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
- Sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar topping before baking for extra sweetness.
- Chill overnight for enhanced flavor and convenience.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
REFRIGERATOR APPLESAUCE COOKIES 3/4 cup lard 1 cup sugar 1 egg 2 1/2 cup sifted flour 1/2 teaspoon soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cloves 1/2 cup nuts 1/2 cup applesauce Mix, chill in refrigerator Bake at 375 10 to 15 min. on greased cookie sheet Salvaged Recipes
From Transcription to Instructions
We love how simple the original recipe is, but its lone word “Mix” left a lot unsaid, so the instructions break that down for you: cream the lard and sugar, add the egg, sift the dry spices and flour, then fold in the applesauce and nuts so you know exactly when each thing goes in. The instructions also spell out chilling , at least an hour or until firm , and tell you to drop spoonfuls about 2 inches apart and cool briefly on the sheet, which makes the dough easier to handle and the baking less mysterious.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1.2gFat: 4.3gSaturated Fat: 1.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.4mg
