The Ultimate Chocolate-Chip Cookies 🍪
Description
Indulge in the blissful delight of these irresistible chocolate-chip cookies that promise to win the hearts of all cookie enthusiasts. Hailing from the acclaimed “The Vegan Sourcebook,” this recipe redefines the classic treat by infusing it with a wholesome, vegan twist. Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich, gooey chocolate chips and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, all enveloped in the perfect balance of sweet and savory. These cookies are not only a testament to delectable vegan baking but also an ideal choice for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a weeknight dessert, a kid-friendly treat, or a delicious addition to your dessert table.
🕒 Time Breakdown
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
🍪 Recipe Category
Drop Cookies
🔑 Keywords
- Dessert
- Cookie & Brownie
- Vegan
- Kid-Friendly
- Weeknight
- < 4 Hours
🍫 Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup semisweet vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 95.2 kcal
- Fat: 6.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 47.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.2 g
- Fiber: 1.1 g
- Sugar: 3.2 g
- Protein: 1.7 g
🍪 Yields
32 two-inch cookies
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). 🕒 -
Prepare Baking Sheets:
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup. 📃 -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, finely chopped walnuts, semisweet vegan chocolate chips, salt, and baking soda. Stir these dry ingredients together with a wire whisk until they are well blended. 🍲 -
Emulsify Wet Ingredients:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, pure maple syrup, water, and vanilla extract. Beat vigorously with a wire whisk until the mixture is emulsified. This means it should be well combined and slightly thickened. 🍶 -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula just until everything is evenly moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb some of the moisture. 🥣 -
Form the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, drop slightly rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 1 inch apart. The dough will be crumbly, so don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfectly smooth. 🥄 -
Shape and Flatten:
With clean hands, flatten each dough ball to about 1/3-inch thick. Smooth the edges to make each cookie uniformly round. Gently press the dough so that the cookies hold together. This step is important for even baking. 👋 -
Bake:
Bake one sheet at a time on the center shelf of your preheated oven. Bake until the cookies are lightly browned, which should take about 18 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. ⏰ -
Cool:
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. This cooling process is crucial as it allows the cookies to firm up and develop their final texture. 🧊 -
Store:
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and delicious for longer. If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them slightly in the microwave before serving. 🍪
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- With Plant-Based Milk: Serve these cookies with a glass of your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. The creamy texture of the milk complements the crunchy, chocolatey goodness of the cookies perfectly. 🥛
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an extra special treat, sandwich a scoop of vegan ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for hot days or special occasions. 🍨
- Coffee Companion: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cookies pair beautifully with the bold notes of coffee or the soothing aromas of tea. ☕
- Dessert Platter: Include these cookies on a dessert platter along with other vegan treats like brownies, fruit tarts, and truffles. This is a great option for parties or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a variety of delicious options. 🍇🍓🍫
🌱 Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients, especially the baking soda and walnuts, are fresh. Fresh ingredients ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients to ensure the right consistency of your dough.
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing the dough just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour too much, leading to dense cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm and the dough becomes too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before shaping the cookies.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven. They should be lightly browned but not overly dark. Overbaking can result in dry cookies.
🍪 Variations
- Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or additional chocolate chips if desired.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the whole wheat pastry flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free.
- Add-In Ideas: Customize your cookies by adding in your favorite mix-ins. Dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or chopped dates make excellent additions for a unique twist.
- Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These warm spices complement the chocolate and walnut flavors beautifully.
🍪 Conclusion
The Ultimate Chocolate-Chip Cookies are a delectable treat that combines the best of wholesome ingredients and rich, indulgent flavors. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a sweet treat, these cookies deliver on all fronts. Follow the detailed instructions and tips provided to create a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but also a joy to make. Happy baking! 🍪✨
