Well, technically, being vegan, these cookies start with V! Now, how long has it been since I've posted about cookies?! Shocking, as you know cookies are my baking passion. So... let's get nibbling!
These are my Jam-Print Cookies from ed&bv. I posted about these before when I was developing the recipe for the book. Of course, these are made wheat-free, using spelt flour. There are crushed walnuts in the recipe, but also an option to use hemp seed nuts instead of the walnuts if you have nut allergies. When I made this batch recently, I simply wasn't in the mood to crush the walnuts. You know those days - you want to get those cookies baked, but with as few steps and mess as possible! So, I opted for the hemp seed option, but used 1/2 hemp seed nuts and 1/2 ground Salba seed. See this post for more info on Salba. Worked like a charm! Though, if you have the gusto to take the extra step, walnuts do add a gorgeous nutty flavor to the cookies.
Next out of the oven are Walnut-Carob-Cranberry Clusters from eat, drink & be vegan. Also posted about these before when I was testing the recipe for ed&bv, check out another pic if you like! Now, these are a crunchy cookie. Crunchy with a buttery-sweet flavor (but no butter used obviously, and no margarine). They are chock full of walnuts, and just a touch of flour, which is why they form a clustery-crunchy cookie. When you form these cookies to place on your baking pan, it might seem that they won't hold together. Patience, my pretties. Just get them in purty little clusters on your sheet, rinse/dry your hands once or twice to minimize stickiness, and get all those delicious clusters in the oven. Don't overbake! The walnuts and carob can quickly get too toasty, then border on burned. Avoid that by not overbaking.Of course, both of these cookies are treats you can feel good about eating. Healthier sweeteners, healthier flours... and, I give you healthy nuts and seeds in there too. Yet, they still deliver cookie indulgence.
Where's your apron? You should have it on by now. Get baking! Now I'm thinking I really need a cookie monster apron...
