If you like cookies, this recipe is for you.
Snickerdoodles are probably my favorite cookies. There are so many variations out there...and not all of them are good. A few years ago, I saw a recipe for pumpkin spice snickerdoodles and they were not that good. I was severely disappointed.
Let me tell you: follow this recipe - and even add the cayenne pepper - and you will not be disappointed. My non-sweet-loving husband even said that these are really good (and ate three of them). The flavor profile is so complex that it just makes your mouth a little confused, then extremely happy.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with almond flour, it's essentially almonds that are ground up into a meal or fine powder. You can get it online or in most specialty grocery stores; with the gluten-free craze, you can find it almost anywhere now! It adds a healthy dab of protein to these cookies. (Both Trader Joe's and Wegman's make their own almond flour; it's reasonably priced, about $4.99/lb.)
If you don't want to use almond flour or have an allergy, add whole wheat pastry flour instead :-)
Ingredients:
Adapted from Post Punk Kitchen
1 c. organic whole wheat pastry flour, like Bob's Red Mill
2/3 c. almond flour (or more regular flour)
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder, like Guittard
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (trust me, it's GOOD)
3 T. vanilla or cacao-infused bourbon (learn more about infusing your own liquors!)
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. pure maple syrup
1/2 c. coconut sugar
1/2 c. coconut oil, softened
1/3 c. vegan sugar, for topping
1 tsp. cinnamon, for topping
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour(s), cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a larger bowl, cream the coconut oil and sugar. Add the bourbon, milk, and syrup. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mix.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough and press it into the sugar/cinnamon mixture. Transfer the dough to the prepared sheet and flatten it out slightly. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that these are some of the best cookies I've ever had. They smell phenomenal and taste even better.
Cheers!
-Aileen