Year of the Cookie: Chocolate Chip Cookies and Carrot Raisin Spice Chewies

One of my goals for the year is to try a new cookie recipe every week. We're using Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar to jump start the project. Everything in this book looks fantastic! I've had it for a year now and have only tried a few recipes, but that's about to change ;) In my cookie posts, I will try to include tasty-looking finds from other bloggers, too. That way if you want to take on a cookie challenge yourself, you will have plenty of options. ;)

A few blog notes, then back to the cookies... I have finally switched my blog ownership over to my new e-mail address aveganfox(at)gmail(dot)com. In the next week or so I will be making a few updates and updating my Google Reader.

For those who don't know, we're in the midst of a giveaway. It's my first and I'm psyched! Currently your chances are pretty good. ;) Two people will win a cookbook of their choice (out of four). So hit this, and get signed up! Next week I will post book reviews and winners will be chosen at random on January 24.

Back to the cookies:
Week 1: Last week we made the chocolate chip cookies that everyone raves about. They are definitely worth the reviews! Even with the substitutions we made, they still had the best texture of any chocolate chip cookies I've made in a long time! You can check out the original recipe at the PPK.

Week 2: This past week we made the Carrot Raisin Spice Chewies from VCIYCJ. These are wonderful and great for breakfast, too! (Take it from someone who knows ;) Filled with carrots, walnuts, raisins, coconut...are you hungry yet? They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I'm pretty sure that Adam would like to have these every week.

(Hey River: You can't see it, but that's Teeccino in my cup ;) For any who don't know, you can check out River's experiements with coffee alternatives over at Wing-It Vegan)

Substitutions:
(ours : original)
coconut oil : canola oil
coconut crystals/sugar : all sugar listed
spelt flour : AP flour
allspice : nutmeg (We were out!)

Chocolate Chip Cookies (adapted from VCIYCJ)
oven: 350 F/8-9 min. (total time 15-20 min.)
makes: 16-24 cookies, depending on sizw

3/4 c. coconut crystals/sugar
2/3 c. coconut oil
1/4 c. soy milk
1 Tbl. cornstarch
2 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. spelt flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
chocolate chips - eyeball it ;)

* Preheat oven - 350 F. Lightly grease 1-2 baking sheets.

* Combine sugar, oil, soy milk, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Mix well for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla.

* Add 1 c. of flour, baking soda and salt. Mix until all ingredients are blended in. Mix in the rest of the flour. This dough was not quite as stiff as the recipe suggests (due to changes in the ingredients). Feel free to add more flour.

* Fold in chocolate chips.

* Grab ping-pong or walnut sized dough balls and flatten out a little with your hand, as you place them on the cookie sheet.

* Bake for 8-9 min.


Follow these cookie crumbs for more delights:
Double Chocolate Spritz Cookies
Samples recipes from VCIYCJ