Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- Butter – 1/2 cup (softened)
- Egg – 1 large
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Caramelized Applesauce – 1 cup (prepared)
Dry Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 3/4 cups
- Baking Soda – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Brown Sugar – 3/4 cup (packed)
- Optional Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) – 1/2 teaspoon each (optional)
Add-ins
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – 1 cup
For Caramelized Applesauce
- Apples (peeled and chopped) – 2 medium
- Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Butter – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramelized Applesauce: In a saucepan, sauté peeled, chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until the apples are golden and soft, about 10-15 minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth and set aside to cool.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the cooled caramelized applesauce until combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and any optional spices to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to keep the dough soft. Then, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Bake to Gooey Perfection: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft to maintain a gooey texture. Cool on baking sheets briefly before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the dough before baking for better flavor and controlled spreading.
- Use fresh baking soda for optimal rise.
- Watch the baking time closely and remove when edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten (see variations for gluten-free option)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: caramelized applesauce, chocolate chip cookies, soft cookies, gooey cookies, homemade cookies, baked treats