Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Prepare your cookie sheet with a baking mat, parchment paper, or nonstick cooking spray.

In a stand mixer add sugar, cocoa powder and butter and beat until well combined.

Add applesauce and vanilla and beat to blend.

In another small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt.

Add about 1/2 cup of the flour mixture in intervals into the chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.

Shape batter into gumball size balls with your hands.

Place 1-inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow cookies to stand for 1 minute.

Move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.