Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or whisk, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.