Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Cookie
Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Cookie Recipe - Perfect Plant-Based Dessert
Introduction
These Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for the fall season. Packed with warm spices and crunchy walnuts, these cookies are sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.
History
The combination of pumpkin and walnuts in baked goods has been a popular choice for many years, especially during the autumn months. This recipe takes that classic flavor pairing and gives it a vegan twist, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp ground flax seeds (optional: makes cookie chewy)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and oil. Then add the pumpkin and vanilla (and flax seeds, if using). Mix until well combined.
- In three batches, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, continuing to fold until fully combined. Fold in the walnuts.
- Grease the baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips or raisins for a sweeter cookie.
- Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best results.
- For a chewier cookie, add ground flax seeds to the dough.
- Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients together gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy fall treat.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the cookies to ensure even cooking.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough for evenly sized cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegetable oil or melted vegan butter in place of coconut oil.
- If you don't have ground flax seeds, you can omit them from the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve these cookies on a decorative plate or platter for a festive touch.
Pairing Recommendations
These cookies pair well with a glass of almond milk or a pumpkin spice latte.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each cookie contains approximately 180 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each cookie contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each cookie contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each cookie contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.
Summary
These Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Cookies are a tasty treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of healthy fats from the walnuts.
Summary
These Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for the fall season. Packed with warm spices and crunchy walnuts, these cookies are sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Cookies. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling in a beautiful array of colors, and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I had always loved baking, but I had never tried my hand at vegan recipes before. As I scanned through the ingredients list, I couldn't believe how simple and wholesome they were. I knew I had to give it a try.
The recipe came from a dear friend of mine who had recently adopted a vegan lifestyle. She had raved about these cookies, saying they were the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy, sweet and spicy. I was intrigued and eager to learn how to make them myself.
I gathered all the ingredients together - pumpkin puree, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, walnuts - and set to work in my cozy kitchen. The smell of the spices filled the air as I mixed everything together, creating a thick, sticky dough. I carefully folded in the chopped walnuts, their earthy flavor adding a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin.
As I scooped the dough onto the baking sheet, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. This was a new adventure for me, a chance to explore the world of vegan baking and expand my culinary horizons. I popped the tray into the oven and waited impatiently for the cookies to bake.
When I pulled them out, they were a beautiful golden brown, with a slightly crispy edge and a soft, chewy center. I couldn't resist taking a bite right away, and my taste buds were met with a burst of autumn flavors - pumpkin, spices, and the crunch of walnuts. They were everything my friend had promised and more.
I packaged up a few cookies to share with my friend, along with a note thanking her for the recipe. She was thrilled that I had tried it and loved them as much as she did. From that day on, vegan baking became a regular part of my repertoire, and these Pumpkin Walnut Cookies became a staple in my kitchen.
Over the years, I have made these cookies for countless gatherings and special occasions. They are always a hit, with people surprised to learn that they are vegan. I love sharing the recipe with friends and family, passing on the joy and deliciousness that these cookies bring.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about that first time I made Vegan Pumpkin Walnut Cookies, I am filled with gratitude for the friends who have inspired me to try new things and the joy that baking brings to my life. Each time I make these cookies, I am transported back to that crisp autumn day, with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air and a sense of wonder at the magic of creating something delicious and wholesome.
I hope that you will give this recipe a try and experience the same joy and amazement that I did. Happy baking!