Applesauce Cookies with Caramel Frosting

Big.  Soft.  Yum! I resisted making anything pumpkin so I made apple instead.  I have a rule...NO PUMPKIN baking until September 15.  Why? No clue, just the way I have always been. So...apples are the 2nd best Fall baking ingredient, right?  The hubby ate several and I am sure these will be gone right after the kids arrive from school.

~Recipe~
2 c sugar
1 c shortening
2 eggs
2 c applesauce
4 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Whisk together the flour, soda, powder, cinnamon and cardamom.  Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs and applesauce...mix! Add in the whisked ingredients until incorporated. I used an ice cream scoop to make them big....scoop onto pans lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Frosting
6 Tbsp butter
1/2 c heavy cream
1 c packed brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 c powdered sugar

Combine the butter, heavy cream and brown sugar in a saucepan and cook*Stir occasionally* until almost to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.  Let that cool.  When it is cooled mix in the powdered sugar. Ta da! Yummy frosting! Frost the cookies! Eat and enjoy~