Alaska Molasses Cookies

By Hklbrries

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
• 6 tbsp butter, softened
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• Cooking spray

Details

Servings 32

Preparation

Step 1

Spoon applesauce onto several layers of heavy-duty paper towels; spread to 1/2-inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand 5 minutes. Scrape into a bowl using a rubber spatula.

Combine applesauce, 1 cup sugar, and butter; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 3 minutes). Add molasses and egg; beat well.

Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours and next five ingredients (flours through cloves), stirring well with a whisk. Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture, beating until blended. Cover and freeze dough 30 minutes or until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 F.

With moist hands, shape dough into 32 (1-inch) balls. Roll balls in 1/4 cup sugar. Place 3 inches apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.