31 DAYS OF COOKIES: DAY 15: (FOR KIDS) Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

Letting kids bake cookies is only natural because they are loyal supporters of these yummy treats. Besides, cookies are the easiest of all baked goods to prepare, and kids learn so many practical lessons by making them.

Baking is an ideal exercise in time management, organization, responsibility. Speaking from experience, cookies bake quickly and will burn miserably if a baker neglects to watch his/her oven and its temperature. Good organization reduces preparation time and makes cleaning up a breeze.

School aged children, especially those in elementary and middle schools, are comfortable with concrete ideas, situations, or examples. Therefore, letting your kids bake cookies is an effective way for them to familiarize with basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, conversion, measurement, etc.


When kids bake, they have less time to passively watch television. Baking cookies is a constructive and proactive way for them to socialize.


Baking together teaches kids the value of teamwork. The ultimate reward is sweetest and most delicious when everyone participates and shares the work equally.


Baking encourages creativity and gives kids a real sense of accomplishment. When kids bake pressed or spritz cookies, wafer cookies, even rolled or cut-out cookies, they have fun and develop manual dexterity at the same time

Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup applesauce
1 t. baking soda
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
1 c. granulated sugar
2 1/4 c. all purpose flour (can use 1 1/4 c. all purpose flour and 1 c. Wheat Pastry Flour instead)
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. cloves
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. salt
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts, if desired

Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine applesauce and baking soda. Watch the bubbling begin! Set mixture aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar.

Crack eggs into a small plastic bowl. Add the eggs and to the creamed shortening and mix well.

Stir in applesauce mixture.

Add flour, spices, and chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly.

Lightly grease a baking sheet, or use parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Use a medium (2 T.) cookie scoop and drop cookie dough mixture on prepared pans, 2" apart.

PARENTS: Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until tops are dry and when centers are touched, the cookie springs back. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before eating.

Enjoy!