Cranberry Orange Nut Cookies

I love cranberry and orange together, but have never seen it in a cookie recipe. I had to post this for safe keeping! (The prep time includes 30 minute chilling time)

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup  chopped walnuts
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped dried cranberries
• 1  cup  & 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1⁄2 cup  smooth unsweetened applesauce
• 1⁄4 cup canola oil
• 1  tablespoon  freshly grated orange zest
• 3  tablespoons  orange juice

Directions

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Stir in walnuts and dried cranberries.
2. Whisk 1 cup sugar, applesauce, oil, orange zest and juice in a medium bowl until smooth. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
4. Put the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar into a small flat-bottomed dish or pan. Roll the dough with floured hands (it will be very moist) into 1 1/2-inch balls, then roll in sugar to coat. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the cookies until barely golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on the pan for 1 minute; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.