'Two way' choc chip cookie

When you think of a cookie what’s the first thing that springs to mind…

Mmm, I thought so, me too! The classic choc chip cookie.

Well the classic choc chip cookie is not at all healthy, so let’s give this one a twist… or two! See, the use of coconut oil vs coconut butter can dramatically change the result of your cookie- so much so that changing one simple ingredient determines what type of cookie you end up with;

‘crisp cookies’

Or

‘crumbly shortbread’

Oooo options, can’t choose? Make both!  These cookies are also gluten free- yay!!

(P.S the darker ones were in the oven slightly longer- that is the only reason for colour difference! and before you even think it, no they are not burnt!)

Recipe: choc chip cookies/shortbread

Makes approx. 10 cookies

Ingredients

¼ cup finely ground hazlenuts

½ cup buckwheat flour

¼ cup tapioca flour

¼ cup instant polenta (or additional ground nut meal)

Pinch of salt

¼ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

2 tbs agave and a pinch of stevia

½ tsp vanilla extract

½ cup choc chips (sub half of this with course ground hazlenuts if preferred)

Key ingredient:

For crisp cookies- use 2 ½ tbs melted coconut oil

For shortbread style cookies- use 3- 4 tbs melted coconut butter (if you are having trouble with the mixture sticking add a little coconut oil (or nother oil) to help it bind)

Method

Combine all dry ingredients and mix together in a large bowl. Combine all wet ingredients including melted coconut oil or butter and pur into the dry ingredients. Mix well to combine and add the chocolate chips/nuts last. If you are using the oil the mixture will combine very easily, whereas if you are using the butter the mixture will be more crumbly to work with and take more work to stick together- use your hands!. Spoon the mixture on to parchment lined baking sheets and press down with a spoon (if you are using the coconut butter you will need to form balls with your hands and then press down to flatten).  Bake at 180C for 10 minutes rotating the tray half way though.

See how different the cookies look!