BonAppetitLIFE & Project Happy Hearts bring you…

Gluten-Free Vegan Snickerdoodle (Happydoodles) Cookies

I love baking! I got that trait from my darling mother. Like her, I love the look on someone’s face when they bite into a soft cookie or a birthday cake I baked for them. It is so satisfying to bring happiness to people through something so simple like a yummy treat.

I remember the first time I baked cookies…my mom and grandma taught me how to mix the sugar and butter together first, then to slowly add the flour when whisking. Protip: make sure the flour is whisked thoroughly. It makes the dough much more even during baking and the cookies come out softer! Like my mom always told me, baking is about precision.  I have been told baking is like science, while cooking is like art. I couldn’t choose one over the other… but I do know I love making food healthy.

We often do not consider what actually goes into the sweet treats we splurge on. So, since today was cheat day, so I decided to make PLANT-BASED cookies! (Snickerdoodles, of course; cinnamon-sugar is my weakness.)

Heartwarming treats, like these cookies, are vegan, gluten-free, and low FODMAP in order to keep your tummy healthy and your body happy.

This recipe was inspired by the lovely, passionate people at Project Happy Hearts.  They have a beautiful blog that challenges people to be more positive and grateful in their  daily lives and to live a healthy, mindful lifestyle. I was so honored when they featured me as a Happy Heart this summer!  I always think of them when I wear my “I woke up this happy” tank to the gym or around town. I cannot tell you the number of compliments I get on that simple tee. It is a great reminder of living for happiness. Check out their adorable merchandise here!

You can also donate heart-pillows to children affected by congenital heart disorders across the country on their website, or even send in a little “happy heart” form if you (or someone you love) needs some love!

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Cook time: ~45 minutes, Level: Easy

What you need…

• 1/2 c coconut oil, melted (this substitutes butter)
• 1/2 c vegan shortening, room temperature
• 2 flax eggs: stir 2 tbsp ground flax seeds with 5 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 + 1/2 c granulated sugar
• 2 3/4 c gluten free all-purpose flour mix
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 3 tsp cinnamon + 3 tbsp sugar = the sugar you will roll the dough in

Simple steps:

1. Preheat oven 400F. Line two baking sheets with foil or parchment paper.
2. Prepare flax eggs. Whisk coconut oil (melted), shortening, vanilla and sugar in a large bowl. Add the flax eggs and whisk until totally combined.
3. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a smaller bowl.
4. Gradually beat in flour mixture to shortening mixture. Knead with hands.
5. Roll dough 1-tbsp at a time into spheres. Roll in the cinnamon-sugar.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until you see the cracks start to form on the tops.
7. Spread happiness!

Contact me with any questions or suggestions: bonappetitlife@gmail.com