Applesauce Cookies

2 cups chunky applesauce
3 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1/2 cup cold coffee
1 cup chopped raisins OR chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Spoon applesauce into a cheesecloth-lined sieve; set aside to drain.

Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; set aside.

With an electric mixer, cream together sugar, shortening, and eggs. Stir in coffee. Slowly beat dry mixture into wet mixture. Fold in strained applesauce, raisins/dates, and nuts by hand. Refrigerate batter 8 hours or overnight.

Drop cold batter, 1 heaping tsp. at a time, onto a lightly greased cookie sheet 2-inches apart.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 9-12 minutes, until finger pressed in center barely leaves an impression.

Source: Anna Lou Bublick