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By Janae Jean –

What’s in season this holiday season? Winter squash? Root vegetables? To me, the holiday season is cookie season! We all have our family favorites. Many of us have family and friends with dietary concerns that make this time of year difficult to suit their needs. I flipped through some of my favorite recipes and innovated some gluten-free, vegan versions along with some traditional recipes.

Including more superfoods into the diet has been shown to increase overall health and wellbeing. The following cookie recipes all include them. This list is by no means exhaustive. If you have a recipe that you would like to share with the Conscious Community please share with us via social media. Also, please send us your photos of any of recipes that you have made via social media, including the Conscious Community™ Facebook group, tweet us @tweetccmagazine or tag us on Instagram @consciouscommunitymagazine.

ALMONDS

Almonds are tree nuts, which contain saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, protein and antioxidants. Almonds lead to satiety, and those who eat them daily reduce their overall caloric intake. According to Ayurvedic tradition, almonds may increase intellectual level and longevity.

MATCHA

Japanese matcha powder is a finely green tea. It is packed with antioxidants, fiber, zinc, magnesium and amino acids. It comes in many grades, but I suggest using the high-quality ceremonial grade for the best flavor. Matcha is known to increase caloric burn and provides energy with the jitters for which coffee is known.

CACAO

Cacao is rich in antioxidants. Raw cacao has up to four times the antioxidants than Dutch-processed cocoa. Cacao can improve the health of your heart, cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. It is known to release positive brain chemicals including endorphins, anandamide, phenylethylamine and serotonin.

MACADAMIA NUTS

Macadamia nuts are full of monounsaturated “good” fat or Oleic acid. They also contain cancer-preventing B-17 vitamin or Laetrile.

OATMEAL

Oatmeal is high in fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and improve metabolism. About 12% of the energy from oats comes from proteins, making it more than just another carb!

DATES

Dates are a great substitution or addition to many recipes add sweetness with added sugar and texture without butter or other fats. They are also packed with fiber and are high in potassium, selenium, copper and magnesium.

WALNUTS

Omega-3s, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals all make the walnut a superfood. Eating just a handful of walnuts each day can help lower your cholesterol, prevent heart disease and fight cancer. Their health benefits affect the mind as well as the body, as they boost brainpower, get better quality sleep and increase emotional resiliency.

Almond Shortbread with Raspberry Jam

Prep 10 minutes

Bake 10 minutes

2 cups fine ground almond flour

½ cup brown rice flour

1 tsp. xanthan gum

½ tsp. salt

6 tbsp. coconut oil

2 tbsp. grape seed oil

5 tbsp. confectioner’s sugar

½ tsp. real vanilla extract

½ tsp. almond extract

1 jar real fruit raspberry jam

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Blend the dry ingredients together. Mix together all ingredients, except jam. The dough will be relatively dry. Roll dough into ¾ in. diameters balls and flatten into discs; press thumb in center of each cookie to make a divot. Bake for eight to ten minutes, until sides of cookies look golden. Remove unto rack to cool. After cool spoon about one teaspoon of jam into each cookie. Makes approximately two-dozen cookies.

Matcha Green Tea & Cacao Cookies

Prep 10 minutes

Bake 10 minutes

½ cup confectioner’s sugar

1 cup cacao powder

2 tbsp. ceremonial matcha powder

¾ cup brown rice flour

½ cup agave syrup

2 tbsp. coconut oil

2 tbsp. grapeseed oil

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Blend the cacao, confectioner’s sugar, matcha and brown rice flour together. Mix together all ingredients, except jam. The dough will be relatively dry. Roll dough into 1/2 in. diameters balls and flatten into discs. Bake for eight to ten minutes. Remove unto rack to cool. Frost each cookie with matcha frosting. Makes about three-dozen cookies.

Matcha Green Tea Frosting

¼ cup coconut oil

2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 tbsp. coconut cream

1 tbsp. ceremonial matcha powder

Blend all ingredients together with electric mixer. Store any extra in the refrigerator. Warm up to room temperature to spread.

White Chocolate And Macadamia Nut with Cacao Cookies

Prep 10 minutes

Bake 10 minutes

1½ cups bread flour

½ cup coconut flour

2/3 cup 100% cacao powder

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 cup (two sticks) butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

12 oz. package white chocolate chips

½ cup macadamia nuts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix together flours, cacao, soda and salt in one bowl. Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Mix in beaten eggs. Stir in dry ingredients. Then fold in white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. Drop rounded teaspoons onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake about 10 minutes, until center is set. Let cool on baking sheets until set, about two minutes, then remove to cooling rack. Makes five-dozen cookies.

Mom’s Oatmeal Cookies with Dates and Walnuts

2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup (two sticks) butter, softened

½ cup evaporated milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 cups quick-cooking oats

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

½ cup chopped dates

½ cup walnuts

Preheat oven to 375°F. Stir together flours, oats, soda and salt. Mix together butter, vanilla and evaporated milk. Combine dry ingredients in wet. Fold in dates and walnuts. Drop heaping teaspoons of butter on parchment paper lined baking sheets. Bake until they look golden, about eight to ten minutes. Once baked, immediately move from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Makes about four-dozen cookies.

What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Share yours with us on our official Conscious Community™ Facebook group, tweet us @tweetccmagazine or tag us on Instagram @consciouscommunitymagazine.

Janae Jean is the editor, social media manager and podcast co-host for Conscious Community Magazine. She enjoys improvising in the kitchen and creating recipes with her loved ones and is very grateful for their input and assistance.

Sources:

https://greatist.com/

http://www.healwithfood.org/

https://medicinal-foods.com/

http://www.health.com/

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