Fall Snack Attack: Almond Butter Cookies (Vegan & Glutenfree)

Fall is sneaking upon us and summer is slowly slipping away. With the temperature here you wouldn't know it but it's true. :'( Snivel. I am so in love with summer. I think that is why I love the desert, the beach, and all things sunny.
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I can't deny nature...the leaves are changing colors and falling, school supplies are in full stock and school is in session!That means busier parents, off to busy days at work and after school activities. Even without kids life is really demanding! Having a high protein go-to snack can be the difference between a frown and a smile! I have just the treat for you and your kin.

Almond Butter Cookies! How about an after school snack with your favorite person. Who doesn't love warm cookies and cold milk?

Especially when it's vegan and gluten-free. Enjoy these for a treat at work, on the go or just because! I chose - the latter, just because!

I named off a number of treats and ideas I had for day 3 of Vegan MoFo: Vegan Month of Food and my husband picked Almond Butter Cookies with out any hesitation. We also consumed them with out any hesitation haha! Jerry put it best "They smell so good, I think that is half the fun of baking cookies." I agree babe! Warm delicious cookies straight from the oven, dipped in ice cold vanilla coconut milk and even enjoyed as a banana nice cream sandwich, because why not? :)

Last month or so I was craving a chick flick and chose an old favorite "You've Got Mail"

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Now that fall is upon us I can't help but think of the scene...when the main character Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) is writing Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and says "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms."

The idea of a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils is kind of romantic in its own way. Maybe that is the artist and kid in me. This year I'll go for fresh baked cookies instead. :)

My husband had a radio show today and my quiet activity while he was on air was painting! I chose a fun painting inspired by Vegan Mofo!

OKAY let's get to cooking and eating! At under 120 calories a pop, have an extra, I did... ;)

Directions:

1. Soak the dates overnight or in water while pulling out ingredients. Once soft pulse the dates and prunes in a food processor to make a thick smooth paste that has little to no chunks.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with a nonstick spray.
3. Cream together the almond butter and date and prune mixture for one minute. Add the vanilla and cream for another 30 seconds. Add the coconut milk and banana and cream until mixed well.
4. In a medium-large bowl mix the dry ingredients together. Slowly add the wet until fully incorporated, ensuring not to over-mix.
5. Place 1-2 tbsp size balls on the cookie sheet. (Wet hands help!) Take a fork and press into the cookie to form the hallmark crisscross pattern. Wetting the fork in between really helps!
6. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown and enjoy in as many ways as you can! :)

To a happy and productive fall!
Christa
xoxo