1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet. Cream the oil with the sugars. Beat in the applesauce and the vanilla extract, if using. 2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the applesauce mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips. 3. Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheet about 3" apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2" circle. 4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie. Source of recipe: I modified the famous Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookie recipe to make it suitable for vegans. People tell me these are better than the original.