Vegan Macadamia Chocolate Chunk Date Cookies

Now that fall is just around the corner I feel like it’s a good time to start baking lots of cozy goodies! I’ve always loved macadamia nuts in cookies, ever since I first enjoyed them as a kid. It was usually macadamias paired with white chocolate chips. But I love them paired with dark chocolate just as much so that’s why I decided to make these Vegan Macadamia Chocolate Chunk Date Cookies!

This has to be one of the best cookie add in combinations ever! I used one of my chewy cookie base recipes for these, and it was perfect! It uses whole wheat pastry flour for the flour because it’s what I prefer, but if you wanted to use regular all purpose flour or even gluten free all purpose flour for a gluten free option (like Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Gluten Free Baking Flour, which I have used with good results) you could use one of those instead. I used regular granulated sugar in these because it’s what I had on hand but if you wanted them to have more of a caramelly flavor you could use brown sugar or even maple sugar instead.

I think it’s a pretty delicious cookie base. I should know, I definitely sampled the dough! Cookie dough is one of my favorite things ever, and my favorite part of baking cookies! I put plenty of crunchy rich macadamia nuts, dark chocolate chunks and chewy sweet dates in this as well! These add ins are amazing together!

These smelled amazing while baking also I could not wait to try them! My husband Eric was trying to steal some right away! I mean they are pretty darn delicious while still warm from the oven! These are so crave worthy with a chewy sweet vanilla cookie base, crunchy buttery macadamias, gooey dark chocolate and chewy caramelly dates! So wonderful with coffee! These did not last long in my home. If you are in the mood for baking something delicious, definitely give these Vegan Macadamia Chocolate Chunk Date Cookies a try!

Vegan Macadamia Chocolate Chunk Date Cookies

Makes 16

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla bean powder or pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose flour (for a lighter colored cookie)
• 3/4 cup toasted macadamia nuts
• 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
• 3/4 cup dates, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees, and line two sheet pans with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the coconut oil, sugar, apple sauce and vanilla extract  until well blended.
3. Mix in the salt, baking soda and baking powder then the flour until smooth.
4. Stir in the macadamias, chocolate chunks and dates until they are evenly distributed.
5. Form the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on the cookie trays about 2 inches apart.
6. Press the dough balls down slightly.
7. Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes, then rotate them and bake another 7 or so until the cookies are done and lightly brown at the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool at least 15 minutes before enjoying.