Baking makes up a huge part of the lead up to Christmas in my house, so today I have a bumper recipe post for you.  Last year I took part in Tam’s cookie exchange and thought it was so much fun that I just had to take part in this years exchange too.

I thought long and hard about wanted to bake and thought I would put my own spin on things with two different cookie recipes. As a advocate of balance where healthy eating is concerned I thought both cookie recipes should reflect this.  This time of year is just full of festive treats and I could resist indulging a little, but also thought it would be great to bake a far more healthier cookie too.  

Ok, so I will start with the more saintly cookie which was inspired by this recipe. It has a great almond kick!

Ingredients (makes 18 cookies)

1/4 cup almond butter

1/4 powdered stevia (Truvia)

2 tbsp maple syrup

2 tsp pure almond extract

1 egg

2 cups ground almonds

1/2 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

Handful dried unsweetened cranberries

dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 180C and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

Mix together the almond extract, almond butter, egg, maple syrup and powdered stevia until well combined. Add the ground almonds, baking powder and salt, mix until smooth.  Take small sized balls of the cookie batter and place on to the baking tray,  Next flatten the balls with the palm of your hand and randomly add the dark chocolate chips and dried cranberries on top.

Bake the cookies for at least 15 minutes until golden brown.

Now it’s time to polish your halo and enjoy with a lovely mug of tea!

If you love almonds then you are going to love these cookies!  They are soft and chewy which is just how I like my cookies, so delicious!

Now something for you sinners out there! =) 

Ingredients (makes 18 cookies, adapted from this recipe)

1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

1.5 cups spelt flour

pinch of salt

3/4 cup of butter

1/4 cup of light brown sugar

1 tsp of vanilla extract 

100g of dark chocolate

In a food processor beat together all of the ingredients except the dark chocolate.  When a soft dough forms wrap in cling film and leave in the fridge for at least and hour.

After the dough has rested roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until the dough is the thickness on a pound coin. Cut the shapes out of the dough using a cookie cutter.  Place the cookies on to a prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.

Once the cookies have cooled, melt the dark chocolate and dip in the cookies. Leave cookies to one side to allow the chocolate to set.

Both cookies taste incredible, they were a huge hit with the hubby.  Definitely the best cookies I have EVER made!!! =)

The winner of the £50 Zalando giveaway is…

…Christina!!  Could you please contact me asap regarding your prize.

So which is it, are you a saint or a sinner?