Back in the day, my friend used to host a cookie exchange party every year. Everyone would bring about 40-50 cookies and the recipe printed out on an index card. Each person would get to take 2 of each type of cookie as well as the recipe for each cookie. It was an awesome party and it's something I miss doing each year. I am ecstatic to tell you all, however, that through December 24th, I will be hosting a virtual, vegan version of this cookie swap party, with tons of guest posts from some of my favorite bloggers. Keep checking back to see who brings what type of cookie!
I have a tendency to be a little introverted and I sometimes feel awkward or shy when meeting new people. When I met Cara, from Fork and Beans, however, I instantly felt right at ease. Cara has such a gentle, warm spirit and she is so down-to-earth (all of which shines through in her blog), that it's hard not to feel right at home with her. She is a truly beautiful person, inside and out. And if that wasn't enough, Cara is also a gluten/dairy/egg-free cooking wizard. I'm sure you are all familiar with her incredible creations on Fork and Beans, just like I am, so you can understand why I am so excited to have Cara here today!
HOMEMADE CANDY CANE OREOS
Makes approx 24 sandwich cookies
-
3/4 c. brown rice flour
-
3/4 c. sorghum flour
-
1/4 c. potato starch
-
1/4 c. arrowroot powder
-
1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa
-
1/4 c. Enjoy Life chocolate chips, melted
-
16 Tbs Earth Balance butter
-
3/4 c. sugar
-
1/2 c. powdered sugar
-
1 Tb Ener-G egg replacer + 2 Tbs warm water, mixed until thickened
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS:
-
Cream butter and sugars with an electric mixer. *Avoid mixing for too long–1 minute maximum (if you beat for a longer amount of time, the cookies will flatten out when baking because too much air has been added into the mix).
-
Add melted chocolate chips and mix.
-
Add Ener-G egg replacer and vanilla and mix until well combined.
-
In a medium bowl, mix flours, starches, cocoa, and salt completely.
-
Add wet ingredients into dry mix bow and stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Dough should not be sticky (if so, add 1 Tb of flour at a time until soft still, not sticky.
-
Transfer 1/2 the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. With your hands, roll dough into a log that is 6″x2″. Smooth with hands. Wrap a piece of clear wrap around the dough and chill for 2+ hours. Do the same with the other 1/2 of the dough.
-
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
-
Unroll the dough out of the plastic wrap and slice cookies with a sharp knife at 1/4-1/2″ thick slices.
-
Place 1/2 of the cookies on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
-
Allow to cool fully on the baking sheet. The cookies with toughen up and become crunchier the longer they sit.
For the filling:
-
1 c. vegetable shortening
-
1 c. powdered sugar
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
-
14 mini candy canes, crushed (easiest way is to crush with a jar while in individual wrappers)
-
With an electric mixer, combine all of the ingredients (except the candy canes) together until cream becomes thick and smooth. Fold in crushed candy canes.
-
Using a spatula, scrape the cream into a ziploc baggie, make a small slit in one corner, and thickly distribute the cream in a circular motion onto one cookie. Gently sandwich another cookie on top. Wa-la.
-
Dip each cookie sandwich into a bowl of 1 c. dark chocolate, melted. Top with more crushed candy canes.
-
Allow to set on parchment paper. Chill until set.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back on Sunday to see who our next special guest is and what they bring to the party! Thank you so much, Cara, for sharing this perfect holiday indulgence fix!
Caitlin
i love cara's creations. these cookies look so amazing i think i am definitely making them for gifts this year. GORGEOUS photos!
keepinitkind
These would make such nice gifts- I'm thinking about gifting these as well!
Cadry
I can't decide which I like more - ogling those mouthwatering candy cane Oreo's or getting to see two of my favorite women & bloggers in one place! Both of you have so much enthusiasm, honesty, and life in your posts. But the cookies are covered in chocolate and peppered with candy canes. Too much wonderful-ness. I can't choose.
keepinitkind
You are so sweet, Cadry. Truly. But I totally understand if you choose the cookies. 😉
Annie
Holy moly!! Forget the Trader Joe's version - I want these!
keepinitkind
That's what I'm saying- these look so fantastic!
jodye @ chocolate and chou fleur
Homemade is definitely so much better! These cookies are beautiful, and seeing as I have a bag of peppermint candies to use up, I'll be adding these cookies to my list!
keepinitkind
I know! I saw some organic candy canes at whole foods the other day and I think I need to snatch them up to make these guys!
Richa`
woah waoh.. oreoes in chocolate and candy cane! these are probably the perfect gifting cookies!
keepinitkind
I completely agree, Richa! 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Cara simply makes the most beautiful creations! Love your take on a classic Cara, especially how you made it Christmasy 🙂
keepinitkind
She most certainly does. 🙂
Liz
These sound amazing! Any suggestions on substitutes if you don't need these to be gluten free? Would it be okay to use only one kind of flour in that case?
keepinitkind
I think it would be okay to use 1 type of flour, but I think Cara would know best. If you send her a quick little message, I'm sure she'd be glad to help. 🙂
Heather
This is such a fun recipe! I'd take these over traditional oreo's any day of the week 🙂
So festive & so jealous that the two of you got to meet in person!
keepinitkind
If you come to California, Heather, you'll get to meet us both... Just saying. 😉
Courtney Jones
These are gorgeous and look oh-so delicious!!!
keepinitkind
I second that!
Jackie @ Vegan Yack Attack!
These look INSANE! What a terrific recipe. These photos definitely have me drooling!
keepinitkind
Right?!?! 😉
Somer
Holy cow, you two are so lucky, and these cookies are just to die for. I gave all my neighbors Joe Joe's because I was being lazy. They're really missing out!
keepinitkind
I feel very lucky to have met Cara- she is such a sweet soul. And I'm impressed that you gave your neighbors any cookies at all! My neighbors aren't getting anything (but we never exchange gifts anyways). 🙂
Herbivore Triathlete
I agree with Cara, everything IS better covered in chocolate! I am loving these cookie swap posts!
keepinitkind
Wise, wise words from Cara. 🙂 And I'm so happy you're liking the cookie swap party- I'm having a blast with it! 🙂
Melissa
These look great!
One question though, aren't candy canes gluten containing?
keepinitkind
I believe there are gluten-free candy canes that you can use. 🙂
Sunnie@ModernGirlNutrition
Oh my goodness, those peppermint ones look divine and I love that they are vegan:)
keepinitkind
Me too, Sunnie! 🙂