This is the first post of healthy cookies series, I’ll put them in one category. Vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free and paleo too, with different flavors.
I will post of healthy cookies series. I’ve tried many variations since the start of the lock down of corona virus. Some were delicious, but had room for improvements. And some went straight to the garbage (I tried my best not to do that, ended with only one batch completely went to trash).
Healthy cookies series
I’ve learnt a lot about substitutions in baking during by of trial and error. And I thought I’ll post a recipe or two. But after many variations, i thought of creating a healthy cookies series, so it will be a reference for cookies lovers.
- Sugar (white sugar & unrefined ones) and Flour are the most important ingredients.
- Eggs plays an important role, but can be replaced.
- Nut butters, coconut oil, vegan butter, act very different from real butter.
- I’m against fruits substitutions in baking, like banana or apple sauce. It gives weird texture. However, I’ve made one years ago. I felt it was good, it was yes. But not the perfect texture cookies, check it out . Almond butter cookies
Subbing the ingredients
When I started to sub the ingredients, I started to do it all at once. I wanted to have the perfect vegan, gluten free, and no real sugar cookies. But guess what? I’m not the one who bakes cookies regularly. I have few recipes for healthy cookies on the blogs, with unusual ingredients like this one, pistachio cookies. I was thinking how I gonna bake something with substitution when I hardly baked cookies in my life. Like I know how brown sugar made difference if were used it instead of white sugar! Well, of course I baked cookies like ten times, like this one . Also, I made chocolate chip one last week with my nieces. And this one is on my list too. And this one too, that I can’t even remember how it turned out, but vaguely remember it was good.
So, I made few version, some with all purpose flour but vegan. Some with eggs, but with almond flour and coconut flour. Some with added xantahn gum and some with no weird ingredients added. And with different nuts utters, but mostly, walnut butter and peanut butter.
So cookies are not my number one dessert/snack, but for my husband and son it is..Hubby is not really into substitutions, but my son really started to know, and ask, and accept these cookies willingly. We are not vegan or have an allergy of any kind, and I bake regularly with all purpose wheat flour too. But using it less in such snacks like cookies is a win. Plus, baking with almond flour and oat flour is definitely better then bleached all purpose flour. Also, using unrefined sugars helps a lot with cutting unnecessary empty calories and harmful sugar from our diet.
Kids friendly cookies
Here is my son, every time he is eager to try the cookies, before I even get to shoot them. But to be honest, first too times he doesn’t want to try something he doesn’t know or doesn’t look like regular chocolate chip cookie. My son started to ask, mom, are these cookies gluten free? Are these vegan? And like they actually taste good..they are yummy, I love them and mom you are the best chef. Well, the best compliments definitely come from kids… they don’t lie, or try to make things better for you.. they just say the truth 🙂 so I was really happy that I got the approval of my son
Okay he looks funny, he just wanted to be in the shoots, even when had a mouthful of cookies 🙂 😛
Why gluten free cookies?
I just feel bloated and heavy, when I eat anything with refined carbs, and all purpose flour . Donuts, cookies, muffins, pizza, pasta…etc. Sometimes small amount does not make a big difference, but if I eat it regularly, it make me feel uncomfortable. I usually have gluten free meals most of my day, and without really trying too hard. I have oatmeal for breakfast, rice or potato for lunch, and light dinner like salad. So it’s really super easy for me. I’m not heavy on sandwiches, pizza or pasta..
I made so many meals on the blog gluten free, and also gluten free desserts. So gluten free baking becomes like a second nature to me.
Why vegan cookies?
Because many of my readers are fans of vegan recipes, especially desserts. And because many people I know have allergies for dairy and eggs. I wanted to create cookies recipes they can enjoy and share. I find it very challenging and rewarding, when I succeeded with vegan baking. And because it’s harder to master and maybe to accept it myself, since I’m a big fan of butter and eggs.
Xanthan gum or not?
Well, it’s a tough question, I’ll explain what is it and why we need it for gluten free baking later. I’ve noticed after baking tens of cakes and cookies with xanthan gum, that I don’t digest it very well. Many people also have side effects. It could be bloating , diarrhea, gas, or just discomfort. And sometimes it leaves gummy texture. So I’ve decided, to post recipes with and without it, so my reader you can have the choice to choose whatever you prefer.
What I come to understand
Mimicking the exact texture of regular cookies made with wheat flour is almost impossible. However, it can be similar in a way..Remember every substitution you make , take a way a part of goodness of your cookies. So choose what are you willing to leave (or you have to, in case of allergies) and work with that.
I’m gonna choose different flours for gluten free. Also, different versions with multiple options so you can pick what is the most available where you live, affordable, and what you are really comfortable eating it.
I’m gonna talk about the substitution one by one, when I post the cookie recipe for it..like role of sugars:, role of nut butters .
So stay tuned!
If you have suggestions for cookies flavors, or questions, please don’t hesitate! Send me an email Nutrizonia@gmail.com or send a DM on Instagram
