Spiced cookies (vegan)

Spiced Vegan Cookies - a delicious and simple recipe

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert recipe, these spiced vegan cookies are the perfect choice. With a mix of flavors and textures, they are ideal to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but they can also make a wonderful gift for loved ones. So, let's embark on this culinary journey together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 cookies

Necessary ingredients:

- 300 g wheat flour (or whole wheat flour for added fiber)
- 75 ml palm oil (or sunflower oil)
- 50 ml water (you can also use plant-based milk for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons fir syrup (a special ingredient that adds a unique flavor)
- 70 g brown sugar (we recommend using muscovado sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 1/2 banana (or a grated apple for a different flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a pleasant contrast of flavors)

Useful tips about ingredients:

- Wheat flour is the base of this recipe, but you can experiment with almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
- Palm oil can be replaced with coconut oil or olive oil, each bringing a distinct note to your cookies.
- If fir syrup is not available, it can be substituted with maple syrup or honey (if you're not following a vegan diet).
- The banana not only adds moisture but also natural sweetness. If you don't like the taste of banana, you can use applesauce.

Preparing the cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Make sure you have a baking tray and parchment paper ready.

2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and brown sugar. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Mixing wet ingredients: In another bowl, add the oil, water, fir syrup, banana puree (or grated apple), and lemon juice. Mix with a fork or whisk until you achieve a smooth mixture.

4. Combining the mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until the dough becomes homogeneous. There's no need to knead it too much; just until combined.

5. Shaping the cookies: Take a portion of dough and form balls the size of walnuts. Place them on the lined baking tray, leaving enough space between them. Gently press each ball with a fork to give it a flat and beautiful shape.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 20 minutes. Once they are lightly browned, turn off the heat and leave them in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to dry well.

7. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes on the tray, then transfer them to a cooling rack. When completely cooled, dust them with sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:

These spiced cookies are excellent served alongside a cup of green tea or a cappuccino. You can pair them with vegan chocolate cream or fruit spread for a healthy breakfast. Additionally, you can sandwich two cookies with vegan vanilla cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Personal note: If you have time, I recommend wrapping the dough in cling film and letting it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help develop the flavors and make the cookies crispier.

Nutritional benefits:

These cookies are a healthy choice, especially due to the natural ingredients. Whole wheat flour (if you decide to use it) provides an increased fiber intake, and the banana is an excellent source of potassium and vitamins. Palm oil, although often controversial, can be beneficial in moderate amounts, containing essential fatty acids.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I add nuts or dried fruits? Absolutely! Nuts, almonds, or raisins are wonderful additions to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

2. How can I store the cookies? I suggest keeping them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They will remain delicious for a few days.

3. Can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free? Yes, you can use a combination of almond flour and oat flour to achieve a gluten-free version.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Definitely! All the ingredients are vegan, and the cookies are perfect for any vegetarian or vegan diet.

These spiced vegan cookies are not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to share the love of cooking. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and put your personal touch on this simple yet delicious recipe. Enjoy every moment of the process and savor the final result!

 Ingredients: 300 g wheat flour, 75 ml palm oil, 50 ml water, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp fir syrup (cold-pressed), 70 g brown sugar, 1/2 banana, 1 tsp lemon juice