Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)

Beat margarine, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in apple sauce and vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour and chocolate chips.

Scoop 1 -1/2"dough balls onto ungreased baking sheet about 2" apart.

Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.