Brown Sugar-Apple Cookies

Followed recipe exactly. Very cake like texture. Sticky to drop on sheet. Kind of bland. Needs something, not sure what. Sweet enough though. Not attractive cookie to give at holiday time. My husband liked it, would be good with coffee in the morning. I would not make again.

Could cooking oil like Canola be used instead of shortening?

Hesitant to try these -- 1 cup of apple doesn't sound like enough for 3 to 4 doz cookies????