cookies. they make the world go 'round.

Hello all! Today I want to talk cookies. I love cookies. I love the chocolatey, gooey, crunchy and chewy combination and in the next few weeks, I will be posting three of my favorite cookie recipes. One is from the book that I keep referring to, over and over, another from my favorite cookbook, and another one that I found online. Here we go, cookie number one!

Cookie #1: The Gaia Cookie

This cookie recipe is from Shauna Niequist's new book, Bread & Wine. I have posted recipes from her book before, and this cookie is one of my absolute favorites. It's semi-healthy, delicious, filling, and perfect with a big cup of coffee. I made these cookies this morning, and ya'll, my apartment has never smelled better. This cookie has quickly become a favorite and I know you all will love it!

Ingredients:1/2 pound butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour 
1 1/2 cups oats 
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda 
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut (I used coconut flakes)
1 cup walnuts (I used slivered almonds because that's all I had on hand)
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped dates, raisins, dried cherries, or cranberries or any combo

To make: 
 Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream together butter and brown sugar. 
Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
Add flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and mix well. 
Add coconut, walnuts, chocolate chips, and dates or other dried fruit. Mix until combined. 
Drop tablespoons of dough onto a cookie sheat lined with parchment paper, 8 per sheet. Refrigerate for a few minutes so the dough doesn't spread out too quickly while baking. 
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden.

Makes 2 dozen cookies. 

**A few notes: I didn't use any dried fruit, because honestly, I didn't want to go to the store and get it. I used white and dark chocolate chips, slivered almonds in place of walnuts, and used coconut oil instead of butter. (1 cup coconut oil = 1/2 pound butter). They turned out delicious! And the coconut oil makes the cookies a teeny bit healthier, which helps justify eating one for breakfast. One, or two. ;)

Make these soon. They'll make your home smell delicious, and your family will love you for them. Serve with a big cup of black coffee or strong black tea, or a glass of cold almond milk.

Recipe from Bread & Wine, by Shauna Niequist. Page 210-212. Zondervan, 2013.