(Almost) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today at school we had a multicultural potluck. [I heart potlucks!]

When I first found out about the theme, I racked my brain for something I could bring. I was having a really difficult time thinking of an item to bring, until I remembered a discussion we had in my multicultural class. (I am currently taking Multicultural Studies for Alaska’s Teachers one night a week in order to renew my Alaska teaching license.)

Last week, we discussed what “culture” means. According to one excerpt we read, our culture is something we choose to belong to (unlike our race which is purely biological and therefore unchangeable). Our culture is fluid and can be defined by a religious group we chose to belong to, where we chose to live (urban vs. rural), our beliefs, or values that we hold.

Well, I decided to embrace my “value” of healthy-living and make some vegan chocolate chip cookies. (I realize this may be a stretch, but I was desperate!)

(Almost) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Inspired by Taste of Home Healthy Cooking, June/July 2011

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups dark brown sugar

1/2 cup canola oil

6 Tablespoons vanilla flavored almond milk

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup mashed banana (approximately 1 banana)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. Combine the first six ingredients in a large bowl. Beat until well-blended.

2. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt in a separate bowl. Whisk until combined.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to incorporate.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

5. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.

6. Preheat oven to 375*.

7. Drop by tablespoons onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

8. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes or until edges are brown.

9. Cook on wire rack.

*Note: These are almost vegan because I did not use vegan chocolate chips.

The cookies were super moist and very flavorful! You could taste the banana in the cookie, but it was not overpowering.

Even though Craig isn’t a big sweets person, he downed about 5 of them, so they must be good! 😉