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 plus 3 sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup smooth, unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
• 3 tablespoon orange juice

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Cooking Directions

Step 1

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Stir in walnuts and dried cranberries.

Step 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.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.

Step 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.

Step 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.