31 Days of Fall - Day 12 Applesauce Cookies with Caramel Frosting

 

Apples and pumpkins just scream fall to me, any recipe including one of these ingredients always catches my attention.  These Applesauce Cookies are no exception.  The best part about this recipe is the ingredients are staples in most pantries.  These soft, spice filled cookies got a thumbs up from everyone.  I think they would make great whoopie pies too -- going to have to try that soon. 

 

Applesauce Cookies with Caramel Frosting

 

2 cups sugar

1 c shortening

2 eggs

2 c applesauce

4 c flour

2 t baking soda

2 t baking powder

1 t cinnamon

1/2 t cloves

1/4 t nutmeg

 

Preheat oven to 357 degrees.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices.  Set aside.

Cream sugar and shortening together until fluffly.

Add eggs and applesauce, mix well.

Add dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.

Drop small spoonfuls (I used the large Pampered Chef cookie scoop) of batter onto parchment covered cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 - 10 minutes.

 

Caramel Frosting

6 T butter

1/2 c heavy cream

1 c packed brown sugar

2 t vanilla

2 c powdered sugar

 

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, cream and sugar.  Cook stirring occasionally until mixture begins to boil.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Let cool, then stir in powdered sugar.  Spread on cooled cookies.

 

I will use more powdered sugar next time, at least 1 cup if not more -- frosting is VERY runny -- more ended up on the parchement than the cookies.

 

To start at the beginning of the series -- 31 Days of Fall.