Title: Exquisite Vegan Almond Joy Cookies: A Wholesome Delight

Introduction: Embark on a journey of culinary bliss with our Vegan Almond Joy Cookies, a divine fusion of wholesome ingredients and decadent flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy bar, these cookies offer a delightful combination of coconut, chocolate, and almonds, all in a plant-based, guilt-free treat. Whether you’re a devoted vegan or simply seeking a delicious alternative to traditional cookies, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Join us as we explore the art of crafting these delightful confections, complete with detailed instructions, nutritional information, and SmartPoints calculation for your convenience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add the rolled oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, vegan chocolate chips, chopped almonds, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and form a thick cookie dough.
  4. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
  5. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a cookie shape.
  6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.
  7. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Once cooled, store the Vegan Almond Joy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (per serving – 1 cookie):

  • Calories: 70
  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 1.5g

Smart WW Points (per serving – 1 cookie): 2

Conclusion: Our Vegan Almond Joy Cookies are a delightful testament to the fact that plant-based treats can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these cookies offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. With their low SmartPoints value, you can indulge in these cookies without any guilt, making them a perfect addition to your Weight Watchers journey. Treat yourself to a taste of sweetness without compromise with our exquisite Vegan Almond Joy Cookies!