Applesauce Drop Cookies

Delicious drop cookies with many variations... I, for example, omit the raisins and nuts, so that I can give some to my horses. I believe this is from Betty Crocker's Cooky Book.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 42 mins
• Yields: 84-96 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup shortening
• 2  cups brown sugar (packed)
• 2  eggs
• 2  cups  well-drained thick applesauce
• 3 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon or 1  teaspoon nutmeg
• 1  cup raisins (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup  coarsely chopped  nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Mix shortening, brown sugar, and eggs thoroughly.
2. Gradually stir in applesauce. Add flour.
3. Mix remaining ingredients. Stir into applesauce mixture.
4. Chill for at least 2 hours.
5. Heat oven to 400ºF (204ºC).
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet.
7. Bake 9 to 12 minutes, or until lightly crisped.