Low-Fat Chocolate Cookies

The Daycare Lady's Note:

Field editor Mary Houchin of Swansea, Illinois shares these soft cake-like cookies. They have a mild cocoa flavor and are topped with chocolate chips. From Taste Of Home 2003

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 44

Yield: 3.5 dozen

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 3 egg whites
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, oil and egg whites. Beat in sugars and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to applesauce mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until slightly firm.
2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks. Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen.