Ingredients:
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 eggs
1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
cooking spray
Directions:
Place 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 at medium speed for 3 minutes.
Add molasses and egg; beat well.
Combine flours and next 5 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.
While dough chills, 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 for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cool on pans 5 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely on wire racks.
Servings: 32
Time preparation: 30 min.
Time total: 40 min.