chocolate peppermint macaroons

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner!  I have zero Irish in my background however, since marrying into an Irish family I guess it’s time I put forward some Irish spirit!  Since you won’t find me making corned beef and cabbage, here is my first attempt at something festive, Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons!  

Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons ~vegan, gluten free~

(As I’m writing this I’m wondering why are mint flavored foods part of St. Patrick’s Day anyway?  Is it the green that comes to mind with mint?) 

Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons ~vegan, gluten free~

These macaroons are totally easy to make and unlike traditional macaroons, they are 100% vegan!  (gluten free too!)  Weighing in at under 100 calories each, these little cookies are a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth!

Recipe adapted from Rawmanda.

chocolate peppermint macaroons
 
Makes 18 cookies
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ⅔ cup old fashioned oats or oat flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2½ tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. In a high speed blender such as a vitamix, pulse oats until a powdery flour is formed.
  2. Transfer to a medium bowl and add coconut flakes, maple syrup, peppermint extract and melted coconut oil. Mix until well combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
  3. Tightly pack dough into a tablespoon sized scoop and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake on 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch.
  5. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 81 Fat: 5 Carbohydrates: 8 Sugar: 4 Fiber: 1 Protein: 1

Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons ~vegan, gluten free~

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flourless dark chocolate chunk cookies

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies for the chocoholics out there!  

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

However, these aren’t your typical chocolate chunk cookies!  These cookies are gluten free, vegan and good for you!  Yes, good for you!  Made with avocado, one of my favorite superfoods…see post from yesterday!  They also include banana, cocoa, dark chocolate chunks and coconut sugar.

I absolutely fell in love with these cake-like cookies!  My little helper loved them too!  However, these were not my husband’s favorite cookies…we agreed to disagree on this recipe!

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

Not only are they super chocolatey, but they are made with wholesome ingredients!  What’s not to love???  Speaking about love, whip these up for a healthy and decadent Valentine’s Day Treat!

Recipe adapted from Laurenda Marie

flourless dark chocolate chunk cookies
 
makes 10 cookies, store in an air tight container in the refrigerator
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon flax meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup ripe avocado, mashed (about ½ an avocado)
  • ½ cup ripe banana, mashed (about 1 medium banana)
  • ¼ cup non-alkalized cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or white sugar)
  • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chunks (I use Enjoy Life)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil.
  2. To make flax egg, stir together flax meal and water in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes or until a gel is formed.
  3. Add mashed banana and mashed avocado to a food processor and blend until creamy. Add flax egg, cocoa powder, baking soda and coconut sugar and blend until well combined.
  4. Transfer to a bowl and stir in chocolate chunks.
  5. Using a tablespoon, drop dough onto lined or greased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake on 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes until lightly crispy on the edges. Let cool and enjoy!
  7. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
  8. ~These cookies are a bit on the sticky side, so make sure to line or grease a cookie sheet!~

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

Don’t forget to lick the spoon :)