These Vanilla Salted Cashew Butter Cookies combine the smoothness of cashew butter with the perfect touch of salt, creating a sweet and savory treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re preparing a quick snack or looking for a healthier dessert option, these cookies are a great choice. The rich flavor of cashew butter pairs beautifully with the hint of sea salt and the optional chocolate chips, making them a perfect go-to when you’re craving something indulgent yet wholesome.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup cashew butter
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1/4 cup maple syrup
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1/4 cup coconut flour
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix the cashew butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Gradually add coconut flour, stirring until well combined.
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Stir in sea salt and chocolate chips (if using).
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Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them with the back of a spoon.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies
Why Cashew Butter?
Cashew butter is a fantastic ingredient for a variety of reasons. Unlike peanut butter, which can have a more robust and sometimes overwhelming flavor, cashew butter is rich and creamy with a naturally sweet taste. It’s an excellent base for creating cookies that are both rich in texture and flavor. Beyond its taste, cashew butter is also packed with healthy fats, which help keep you feeling full and satisfied longer. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, copper, and iron, which contribute to overall health.
Additionally, cashew butter is a versatile ingredient that works well in both savory and sweet dishes. In this recipe, it takes the place of more traditional fats like butter or oil, making the cookies both richer in texture and more nutritious. Its subtle sweetness also enhances the flavor of other ingredients, like the vanilla extract and sea salt.
The Sweet and Salty Combo
One of the most appealing aspects of these Vanilla Salted Cashew Butter Cookies is the irresistible sweet and salty flavor combination. Sweet treats often lean heavily into one of these flavors, but by adding a pinch of sea salt, you introduce a savory element that elevates the overall taste of the cookie. Salt helps balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup, making each bite more satisfying and complex.
The contrast between sweet and salty is something that most people enjoy, which is why salted caramel, chocolate-covered pretzels, and salted brownies are so popular. These cookies deliver that same magic combination, but with the added benefit of being much healthier. By using natural ingredients like sea salt, you’re getting all the flavor without the need for excess sugar or processed additives.
A Healthier Alternative
In a world where traditional cookies are often loaded with refined sugars, flours, and unhealthy fats, these Vanilla Salted Cashew Butter Cookies stand out as a healthier alternative. By using coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour, you’re avoiding gluten, which can be a concern for those with dietary sensitivities. Coconut flour is also higher in fiber, which aids digestion and helps to keep you feeling full longer.
Additionally, maple syrup is used as the primary sweetener, which offers a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. This means it’s less likely to cause blood sugar spikes, making these cookies a better option for those looking to maintain balanced energy levels throughout the day. Plus, maple syrup contains antioxidants and essential minerals like manganese and zinc, adding an extra layer of nutritional value.
Simple Ingredients, Simple Recipe
What makes this recipe truly appealing is its simplicity. The ingredients are easily accessible and require minimal preparation. You won’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or hours of preparation to make these cookies. All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and an oven, making this recipe perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy treat to bake.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While the base of the cookies remains the same, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative with add-ins. You can experiment by adding chocolate chips, raisins, or even chopped nuts. The texture of the cookies is light yet chewy, which makes them the perfect vessel for whatever mix-ins you like.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Everyday Treats
These Vanilla Salted Cashew Butter Cookies are perfect for both special occasions and casual snacking. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just want a homemade snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies fit the bill. They’re easy to make in large batches and can be stored for days without losing their flavor or texture, making them a great option for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go snack.
Because they are naturally sweetened and made with whole ingredients, these cookies are a much better option than many store-bought alternatives, which are often filled with artificial additives and preservatives. Not only will they satisfy your sweet cravings, but they also offer a nutritional boost that store-bought treats can’t match.
Making It Your Own
While this recipe is delicious as written, it’s highly adaptable. If you want to make these cookies vegan, simply substitute the maple syrup with agave or another plant-based sweetener. You could also use dairy-free chocolate chips to ensure that the recipe is entirely vegan.
If you’re looking for even more of a flavor boost, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or a bit of almond extract to the dough. These subtle additions can add depth to the overall flavor profile of the cookies, making them even more unique. You can also experiment with different types of nut butters, such as almond or hazelnut butter, to change the flavor base of the cookie. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own.
The Nutritional Benefits
Beyond the flavor, these cookies offer some great health benefits. The cashew butter in this recipe provides a good source of healthy fats and protein, which is beneficial for muscle repair and overall wellness. Coconut flour is rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The addition of maple syrup provides not only a natural sweetness but also trace amounts of beneficial minerals like calcium and potassium.
Sea salt, though often associated with being unhealthy, is actually beneficial when consumed in moderation. It helps maintain fluid balance, supports nerve function, and can even improve digestion. Unlike regular table salt, sea salt contains a range of important minerals that are beneficial to your health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vanilla Salted Cashew Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and simplicity. They offer a unique and satisfying flavor profile that is sure to become a favorite in your cookie rotation. By using wholesome ingredients like cashew butter, coconut flour, and maple syrup, these cookies provide a healthier alternative to traditional desserts without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, an afternoon treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will not disappoint. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a must-have in any baker’s collection.
By making small tweaks to the recipe, you can customize these cookies to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. So, go ahead—get baking and enjoy these deliciously healthy cookies that everyone will love!