But not a bite to eat. At least, that’s how it can feel like for someone with multiple food restrictions. Holiday parties bring with them countless treats, always including scores of baked morsels of all imaginable colors, sizes, and flavors. Being vegan no longer poses the same sort of dilemma to the savvy guest or host, but a vegan with allergies? Those can be treacherous waters to navigate, especially at a time of excess. While others feel free to indulge, that relaxed stance can make it even trickier to find foods unrefined or uncontaminated. Happily, every year brings new and increasingly delicious options, as awareness of alternative diets increases and bakers grow more experimental in the kitchen. For anyone still lacking in inspiration, the winter edition of Allergic Living comes in the nick of time, featuring two treats in particular that will wow eaters of all persuasions.
It’s always a pleasure to photograph Alisa Fleming‘s recipes, but her Hot Chocolate Cookies seemed to be made especially with me in mind. Throw marshmallows on top of anything and I’m all over it, but that deeply fudgy, chewy base that they sit upon has a lot to offer all by itself.
For a more dainty delight, the Vanilla-Chai Sandwich Cookies are just the ticket. With a shortbread-like texture so impossibly tender that each bite seems to melt in your mouth, few pairings of cookie and filling have been so successful in my experience. Each layer blends effortlessly into the next, while still providing enough textural contrast to keep things interesting. A handful of chai sandwiches would be the perfect ending to a big holiday feast, or wrapped up in pretty cellophane bags as gifts.
Whoever still says there aren’t delicious options for those with allergies just isn’t looking hard enough!
Yeah, I’m vegan and gluten-free so cookie parties are sometimes a little lame. But it’s fun to try to deconstruct recipes and put them back together again. However, I have yet to find a pie crust I am truly happy with… but those vanilla chai cookies look amazing. Thanks for the info/inspiration.
Beautiful looking cookies, Hannah! I particularly like the chocolate and marshmallow combo! I still find I have to bring my own vegan desserts most places…except to my mother-in-law’s place. She is awesome!
I’m digging your new site layout – and of course the discussion about parties of any kind and food restrictions of any kind – so on point!
Love the new layout! And those hot chocoate cookies are such a fun idea:)
These look great!
Love the fall/winter header with falling snow! Chocolate cookies with marshmallows on top, cool conceit! Vanilla chai cookies sound good, too. I have a guest visiting soon who has so many food sensitivities that I have never tried to bake for her– I wonder if I could figure out a cookie she could eat? It’s daunting– she is celiac and also cannot have dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, chocolate, most spices and some other things.
Your blog looks fantastic! The pictures are so gorgeous and thank you for the amazingly sweet words. :)
Thank you, and thanks for the sweet inspiration, too! Both cookies were a huge hit with everyone in the house. My mom also sends her compliments. :)
Alisa makes some of the best recipes!! ANd I love both of those cookies…the vanilla chai are SO happening in my life!
The chocolate and marshmallow cookies are so fun! Glad there are vegan marshmallows out there. Lovely photos, exquisite!
Your new layout is stunning my friend, just like the cookie photos :)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
These look yum – where can i get hold of the recipes?! I like the new leaves design too!
Jane
They’re all found in the latest issue of Allergic Living Magazine, which can be purchased online or found at some Whole Foods Markets.
Thank you Hannah! I will check it out!
oh my! the pictures are droolicious!! You had me with the vanilla and chai sandwich cookies soon! I need to bake them soonEST!
Those pictures are gorgeous! I wouldn’t mind having a few of these cookies at my next holiday party!
Wow, the hot chocolate cookies look amazing! I am with you on the marshmallows, especially when they’re perfectly melty like that… :)
Seriously. Vegan + gluten-free, it’s just a no cookie season unless you bake your own to bring with you!
[…] than just talk and tease about delicious homemade cookies, how about we get down to the knitty gritty, bust out the flour […]