Orange Olive Oil Cookies

Fresh baked cookies are totally awesome. And whole grain, vegan cookies, made with a healthful oil are even more awesome. If you're willing to try some cookies that are a little out of the box, you are going to love these cookies. Don't get me wrong, these are cookies for grown ups. Not that they contain any booze or other illicit substances, but they are more subtle and lightly flavored than the more in-your-face favorites. The olive oil gives them a hint of savory, and makes the citrus flavor pop. It also gives a crispy, crumbly texture that you usually can't get without eggs. These were the perfect afternoon snack for several afternoons last week, they went perfectly with my afternoon licorice tea.


Orange Olive Oil Cookies

Makes 12-16 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 C whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/4 C + 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp orange zest (zest the orange before you peel it for best results)
  

Directions:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment and preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and sea salt.
• In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), beat together sugar, olive oil, orange juice, vanilla and orange zest.
• Slowly pour flour mixture into olive oil mixture and blend until just combined.
• Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet. (be sure to leave plenty of room – approx. 3″ – between cookies as they will spread)
• Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
• Let cool slightly until firm on baking sheet then remove to wire rack.