Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners. Set aside.

In a large bowl, add the sugar, cocoa powder, and softened butter. Use a hand mixer to beat until combined.

Add in the applesauce and vanilla and continue beating until blended.

In a small bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Pour the flour mixture into the beaten mixture and carefully stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until fully combined.

Pour your sprinkles into a shallow bowl.

Use your hands to shape the dough into approximately 40 small balls (marble size) and roll in sprinkles to fully coat. Once coated, line on the prepared baking sheets, approximately 1" apart.

Bake for 8 minutes or until set.

Remove from oven, allow to cool for a minute on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.