By: Dr. Christine Cho ND
Think: a healthier substitute for Oreos with a pepperminty twist. These cookies are best kept in the freezer, but taste great at both room temperature and when frozen/cold. If you are not a fan of peppermint/candy cane, you can definitely keep the filling plain and get an everyday Oreo type cookie.
Cookie Ingredients (for about 12-15 sandwiches):
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 ⅓ cups of pitted dates
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- Dash of salt
Candy Cane Coconut Butter Ingredients:
- 1.5 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
- 1-2 drops of peppermint extract (be careful and only use a couple drops max!)
- Optional: 1 candy cane (leave out to keep this recipe free of refined sugar)
- Optional: a bit of sweetener like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar
Cookie Instructions:
- Put all cookie ingredients into a food processor and process until well incorporated (chunks of dates should not be seen)
- Put “dough” into a ziplock bag and roll into a tight ball
- Roll out onto a sheet of wax/parchment paper
- Cut out circles/other shapes (~1.5 inches in diameter) with cookie cutters and place onto a baking sheet
- Freeze cookies while making the filling or until firm
Candy Cane Coconut Butter Instructions:
- Put coconut in food processor with peppermint extract and process until it becomes a buttery substance (may take 5-10 min depending on strength)
- Add in the candy cane until incorporated
Once the coconut butter filling is done, spread it on half the cookies and then top with the remaining halves to form a sandwich. If you want to make it look prettier, process some extra candy on its own and roll the finished cookie in it!
Freeze until ready to serve.
Happy holidays!
