Gluten Free Chewy Chocolate-Strawberry Cookies

I was perusing though one of my favorite vegan cookbooks, "Veganomicon" by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, and found a yummy-looking recipe for "Chewy Chocolate Raspberry Cookies." 

My heart sung to me, "Make those gluten free, dang it!"

So I did.  Using Wholesome Chow's Gluten Free All-Purpose/Pancake Mix.  And boy were they yummy.  I made a few changes to the recipes as well.  I used Strawberry Preserves instead of Raspberry (because this is what my lovely man left for me in the fridge).  Though, I think either one works just dandy.

Vegan Bakerista's biggest fan was cheering me on as I created these delicious gluten-free conconctions.

And, here's the recipe!

Gluten Free Chewy Chocolate-Strawberry Cookies

Makes 2 dozen

Gluten Free ● Egg Free ● Dairy Free ● Soy Free ● Casein Free 

1/2 cup Strawberry (or Raspberry) preserves
1 cup Sugar, sifted
1/3 cup Canola Oil (or preferred Oil)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Almond Extract
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, sifted
1 1/2 cup Wholesome Chow's All-Purpose Baking Mix 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine preserves, sugar and oil.  Mix until well combined, preferably with an electric mixer, or a wooden spoon.
3. Add extracts and blend again until well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.
5. Add the dry to the wet ingredients slowly.  Mix after each add-in on low speed to prevent the flour from billowing into your face.
6. Mix until well incorporated.
7. Roll the dough between your palms in walnut-sized balls and flatten to about 2 1/2 in diameter.  Place on cookie sheet about 1/2 inch apart (they will not spread out while baking).
8. Bake for 10 minutes.  
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.  Transfer to a cookie cooling rack and cool completely.
10. Or, serve warm over ice cream :)

Here's a few tricks of the trade:

• Use the best equipment you have available to you.  Save your energy, and invest in an electric mixer, if you can.  You can also find hand held ones at garage sales.  Keep your eyes peeled...

• Sift all your dry ingredients.  Simply place a wire mesh strainer over your dry ingredients bowl and pour all of your dry ingredients over it.  This will give you a nice smooth cookie.

• Wash the dishes while your cookies are baking in the oven.  This will save you precious cookie enjoying time once they are ready.

• Here's how you keep the baby busy while baking. She really enjoyed herself.

 

• And last but not least, make sure you save time to get naked and play.

What are your favorite tips and tricks while baking?  Share them by commenting below!