Alex's Vegan Power Cookies

I'm not a baker. I usually haven't a clue what I'm doing when it comes to pans and ovens. Stove tops and slow cookers, not bad. But following recipes, not so good.

That said, I gleefully discovered (with a few liberal manipulations) an awesome cookie recipe that I twisted into being a vegan recipe. I'm not vegan, nor do I necessarily encourage people to be, but a hearty animal-free cookie that can be used for long-distance training is my kind of recipe! These make an excellent mid-day snack, but beware they're quite high in calories due to the fat content. Healthy fats are good for you, but if you're watching your caloric intake, you just want to avoid eating too many at once!

Again, I'm not a baker, but I'm very good at eating baked goods. I can absolutely assure you these cookies are awesome and pack a nutritious punch!

Ingredients

2 cups Rolled Oats (get Gluten-Free if you need them to be)

2 scoops Protein Powder (I used Progressive Harmonized Fermented Vegan Protein - you can use others!)

1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup

1 tsp Cinnamon (or a good few shakes)

1/2 tsp Baking Soda (or a small shake)

1/2 tsp salt (or a good shake)

1 cup Nut Butter (I used Nuts for Nature Nut & Seed Butter - you can use any good nut or seed butter)

2 tbsp Coconut Oil

1/2 Apple Sauce

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup Raisins (or a good handful)

1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (I used Enjoy Life Mini Chips - you can use whatever you like!)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix together all ingredients in a mixing bowl (don't worry about separating dry from wet)

*I used a spatula and my clean hands - much more efficient!

Lather avocado oil on baking sheet and distribute with your clean hand.

Spoon mix onto cookie sheet (1 tbsp each) and press flat.

Space each cookie approximately one inch apart (they spread a little).

Bake for 10-12 minutes

If golden brown on the edges, take 'em out. If not, leave em' in a few more minutes.

Let them cool for 10 minutes, or eat them warm while they're still mushy.

Enjoy these puppies - they pack a serious nutritious punch in the form of protein, fats and carbohydrates!