2 Ways to Make Amaranth-Lemon Cookies

by | Updated: December 4th, 2016

Toward the end of the year, you’re hosting get-togethers and attending parties like it’s your second job. Learning to satisfy the different palates of each guest can be tough—but at least you can ensure your dishes are safe for those with food allergies by choosing recipes with ingredients free of the “Big 8”.

Versatile amaranth flour (ground from the small, nutrient-rich seeds of the amaranth plant) is a great alternative to overly processed white flour and a good way to ensure your baked goods are gluten-free. The following vegan and gluten-free cookie recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and can easily be made two ways. So whether you like thin and crispy or thick and chewy (or both!), the following ingredients are all you need for two kick-butt cookie recipes!

Homemade gluten-free amaranth-lemon cookies | Vitacost.com/Blog

Yields 24 cookies

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups Vitacost amaranth flour
1/2 cup tapioca starch
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 flax egg (1 Tbsp. ground flax + 3 Tbsp. water, stir and set aside)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tbsp. lemon zest
¼ cup coconut oil
3/4 cup turbinado sugar
1/4 cup water

If you prefer your cookies thick & chewy, omit tapioca starch and add:

Additional 1/2 cup amaranth flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup finely shredded coconut flakes

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In large bowl, combine amaranth flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, baking powder and sea salt.
  3. In small bowl, combine flax egg, lemon juice, zest, coconut oil, sugar and water. (If using optional ingredients, add shredded coconut and vanilla.)
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients bowl and stir until well combined.
  5. Using a mini ice cream scoop, spoon cookie batter onto baking sheet. (If following thick and chewy recipe, flatten slightly with the back of a fork.)
  6. Bake 15 minutes.

If you’re hungry for more, download our vegan recipe book and shop dairy-free favorites, from creamy milk alternatives to chocolate-rich treats!

Pamela Higgins

Pam Higgins, Certified Health Coach, AADP received her credentials from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2010. Pam is the Founder of Total Health Counseling, LLC and www.totalhealthcounseling.com. She is a sensitive foodie and focuses on teaching clients about eating delicious food with pleasure. Pam will show you how to access your blueprint for healthy eating and lifestyle so you can be your best. Pam healed herself from years of chronic digestive and skin inflammation by accessing her own blueprint for healthy living and helps her clients find foods that nourish + balance their bodies. Pam lives in South Florida with her husband, Heman and dog, Cali. Contact Pam directly via email at totalhealthcounseling@gmail.com.