Cosmic Cookies: The Ultimate Whole Grain, Vegan & Nut-Free Powerhouse Treat
Imagine a cookie that not only tastes absolutely incredible but is also packed with wholesome ingredients, catering to various dietary needs. We’re talking about a true culinary marvel: the Cosmic Cookie. These delightful creations are a masterclass in healthy indulgence, marrying the rustic charm of a granola bar with the irresistible chewiness of your favorite cookie. They are 100% whole grain, entirely vegan, and completely nut-free, making them an ideal treat for almost everyone. Each bite offers a galaxy of flavors and textures, thanks to a generous blend of healthy seeds, succulent dried fruits, and luscious dark chocolate chips.
Do these cookies look utterly amazing? Even before the first bite, their hearty appearance hints at the goodness within. And once you experience their unique texture and rich taste, you’ll undoubtedly be hooked. These exceptional cookies are brimming with nutrient-dense ingredients like sunflower seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and chia seeds, alongside robust rolled oats, tart dried cranberries, and decadent chocolate chips. The best part? They achieve this incredible profile while being entirely dairy-free and egg-free, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s a truly amazing achievement in wholesome baking!
The Inspiration Behind These Stellar Cosmic Cookies
While I can’t claim full credit for inventing this heavenly recipe, I simply couldn’t resist sharing these gems with you. The original concept for these Cosmic Cookies hails from the renowned Planet Organic Market, where they were once their most popular cookie – a testament to their enduring appeal, dating back to at least 2009. To sell so many, they must truly be extraordinary, and indeed, they are!
Over time, I’ve introduced a few thoughtful adaptations to the original recipe, enhancing its profile while maintaining its core integrity. Some of these brilliant modifications came from a wonderful neighbor who first introduced me to these incredible cookies, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Other tweaks were my own experiments, carefully designed to perfect the texture and deepen the flavors. The result? These are now, without a doubt, my absolute favorite cookies. They strike a perfect balance between health and indulgence, making them a go-to treat in my home.
What Makes These Healthy Cookies So Irresistible? A Deeper Dive into Texture and Taste
While these Cosmic Cookies are undeniably at their absolute best when savored fresh from the oven, radiating warmth and homey comfort, their versatility doesn’t end there. They also freeze exceptionally well, preserving their deliciousness for future cravings, and can last for several days in a sealed container on your counter. However, I strongly urge you to plan on enjoying at least one right out of the oven – it’s an experience not to be missed.
Picture this: the edges are delightfully crispy and crunchy, reminiscent of golden granola clusters, providing a satisfying contrast to the interior. The inside, meanwhile, is soft, warm, dense, and wonderfully chewy, generously dotted with pockets of perfectly melty dark chocolate chips. This combination creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The interplay of sweet dried fruit, nutty seeds, and rich chocolate makes every bite a complex yet harmonious delight. It’s truly a “yum!” moment you’ll want to repeat.
Power-Packed Ingredients: Nutrition in Every Bite
The magic of these Cosmic Cookies lies not only in their incredible taste but also in their impressive nutritional profile. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to both flavor and health benefits, making these a truly guilt-free indulgence.
- Whole Grains (Oats, Spelt Flour, Kamut Flour): The foundation of these healthy cookies, whole grains are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a hearty texture, while spelt and kamut flours contribute a nuanced, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that’s more complex than conventional all-purpose flour. These ancient grains offer sustained energy and a host of essential minerals.
- Healthy Seeds (Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds/Pepitas, Chia Seeds): These tiny powerhouses are what truly elevate the “cosmic” status of these cookies. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and crucial micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin E. Chia seeds, meanwhile, are renowned for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, fiber, and plant-based protein, acting as a fantastic binder in vegan baking and adding a delicate crunch. Together, they create a satisfying texture and deliver a significant nutritional boost.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: This tropical addition brings a delightful chewiness and a hint of natural sweetness. Coconut also contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digestible and provide a quick source of energy.
- Dried Cranberries: Adding a burst of tartness and a vibrant color, dried cranberries are rich in antioxidants and offer a lovely chewy contrast to the crunchy seeds. They contribute natural fruit sugars without overwhelming the sweetness. You could also experiment with other dried fruits like raisins, chopped apricots, or blueberries for varied flavors.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: What’s a cookie without chocolate? Using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings in antioxidants. Dark chocolate is known for its mood-boosting properties and can be a healthier choice than milk chocolate.
- Brown Sugar (or Sucanat): While sugar is an indulgence, opting for a less processed sugar like sucanat (dehydrated cane juice) can offer a slightly more complex flavor profile and retain some of the molasses’s natural minerals, though any brown sugar works well.
- Blackstrap Molasses: This ingredient is key for the deep, rich flavor and chewiness often found in wholesome baked goods. Blackstrap molasses is a fantastic source of iron, calcium, and magnesium, adding another layer of nutritional benefit.
- Coconut Oil: As a healthy fat, melted coconut oil provides moisture and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture. For those who prefer a neutral flavor or have specific dietary needs, any flavorless oil can be used as an alternative.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk (or other plant-based milk): This ensures the cookies remain entirely vegan and dairy-free. Using unsweetened milk allows you to control the sugar content of the cookie, letting the natural sweetness of the dried fruit and chocolate shine. For a nut-free version, oat milk or soy milk are excellent choices.
Look at all those incredible seeds, contributing to both the visual appeal and the robust nutritional content of these wholesome cookies! Every bite is a testament to mindful indulgence, proving that healthy treats can be utterly satisfying.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cosmic Cookies Every Time
The recipe below states it yields 24 large cookies, but I must caution you: these are substantial! I challenge anyone to comfortably eat three, as I’ve playfully stacked them in some of the photos. Personally, one and a half is my limit, even on an empty stomach, highlighting their satisfying density. For those who prefer more “normal” sized cookies, you can easily yield 48-60 cookies from this same recipe. If you opt for smaller cookies, you’ll likely need to adjust the baking time; I haven’t tried it myself yet, but a slightly shorter baking period would be a good starting point. I’ll be sure to update this post if and when I experiment with smaller sizes in the future!
When preparing the wet ingredients, a small but important tip is to warm your chosen milk slightly before combining it with the melted coconut oil and molasses. Coconut oil has a tendency to solidify rather quickly when introduced to cold liquids, which can make mixing more challenging. Gently warming the milk ensures a smoother, more homogenous mixture, leading to a perfectly blended dough. This step isn’t necessary if you’re using another type of flavorless oil that remains liquid at room temperature.
Once baked and cooled, these delicious vegan cookies can be stored in an airtight container on your counter for a few days, maintaining their delightful chewiness. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be ready for a quick thaw whenever a craving strikes. This makes them perfect for meal prepping healthy snacks or having a wholesome treat on hand at all times.
Beyond the Cookie Jar: Versatility and Enjoyment
These Cosmic Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re incredibly versatile. Their robust, wholesome nature makes them an excellent choice for a quick breakfast on the go, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a post-workout refuel. Pack them in lunchboxes for a nutritious alternative to highly processed snacks, or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a moment of blissful indulgence. Because they are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, they provide sustained energy, keeping you feeling full and energized for longer.
Don’t hesitate to make these cookies your own! While the recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Consider adding a different type of dried fruit, such as chopped apricots or dates, or incorporating other seeds like hemp hearts for an extra nutritional punch. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom could add an interesting spice note, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can truly enhance the chocolate flavor. These customization options ensure that your Cosmic Cookies always feel fresh and exciting, perfectly tailored to your palate.
Enjoy these phenomenal cookies, and have a truly great weekend filled with wholesome delights!
Cosmic Cookies (Whole Grain, Vegan and Nut-Free)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup spelt flour
- 1 cup kamut flour or all spelt
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or pepitas
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup brown sugar I recommend using a lesser processed sugar like sucanat but any kind works
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 3/4 cups semi sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 1/4 cups dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
- 3/4 cup coconut oil melted(alternatively, any flavorless oil)
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk or any unsweetened milk that fits your dietary needs or restrictions to make this recipe nut free and/or vegan as needed.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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In a very large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, starting from the rolled oats and continuing through to the dried cranberries. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution, then set the bowl aside. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the blackstrap molasses, melted coconut oil, and your chosen unsweetened milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix with a large wooden spoon just until all components are well combined. Using a 1/3 cup measuring scoop, portion the dough and place 9-12 cookies onto each prepared baking sheet. Gently press each cookie dough mound down to a height of approximately 3/4″ to 1″ (about 2-2.5 cm), pressing any stray pieces back into the cookie shape.
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Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 24-26 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remember to switch the position of the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.