I have one word for you today:

Cookies….

Mmmm…. Okay I lied, I have a few more words than that.

The first time I had a cookie after going gluten-free, I nearly cried tears of joy (and ended up eating 6 instead of dinner.) Definitely not the healthiest of things, cookies are a snack food staple for many of us… and I certainly did not want to be without them!

I believe everyone can enjoy healthy and nutrient packed treats that taste just as good as the real thing! These unique cookies get their rich moistness from a secret ingredient….

QUINOA! Quinoa is this gluten-free girl’s best friend, I enjoy it almost everyday. High in fibre, protein and over a dozen essential nutrients, quinoa is THE superfood to beat. I was elated to take on the challenge of incorporating it into a dessert. Behold, my Pumpskinny Cookies, a guilt free fall treat with whole grains and nothing artificial.

Pumpskinny Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Makes 30 cookies)

1 cup oat flour (grind oats in a blender until fine, measure after blending)

1 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup almond flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves)

1/2 cup softened coconut oil (can sub butter/oil)

3/4 cup pureed pumpkin (NOT pie filling)

1/4 cup sucanat/brown sugar

1/4 cup agave

2 beaten eggs (sub 2 tbsp flax meal mixed in 1/2 c. warm water for vegan version)

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup cooked quinoa

A handful of g-free chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand is great)

Sift together dry ingredients (or whisk well with a fork) In a separate bowl, mix coconut oil, pumpkin and brown sugar together Add in eggs and vanilla. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, stir until JUST combined Fold in quinoa and chocolate chips until well blended Bake at 350 for 14-17 minutes depending on cookie size

*Tip: store them in the fridge or freezer to keep fresh for longer. They also taste amaaaaaazing warmed up in the microwave!

Question of the day:

What is your all time favorite kind of cookie?

I am a big fan of peanut butter M&M cookies, but my favorite cookie of all time would have to be imperial. (Maybe I’ll give those a g-free makeover next!)