Dark Chocolate Superfood Cookies

I've posted this recipe before but it's been a while and recently some readers were having a hard time locating in the archives, so I thought I'd post an updated version with a minor tweak and suggestions for modifying it if you were vegan. They're already gluten free. So, in a nutshell, these are incredibly healthy + super delicious. They're my kids favorite treat, so that works for me. I'll let them have one or sometimes two anytime of the day because they are low in sugar but still plenty sweet to satisfy that craving. You can take this basic cookie recipe and substitute the embellishments to suit your preferences, which is how all good recipes should read. And these cookies turn out perfect every single time I make them, so that should give you some confidence diving in if you've ever felt intimidated or frustrated with getting your cookie just right. Soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside. I've been asked for these at gatherings many times so I guess it's one of my specialties. If you want to make them vegan, substitute coconut oil for the butter. There are lots of egg substitutions but many of them alter the flavor because they're typically applesauce or a banana. I like to make a flax egg because it maintains a neutral flavor and the outcome is nearly identical. To make a flax egg, take 1 tablespoon of milled flax seed or flax meal (same thing) and mix it with 2 tablespoons of water.  Let it sit for 15 minutes until it starts to coagulate - the texture will be like egg white.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup gluten free flour - almond, oat or a store bought blend
1|4 tsp xanthan gum (this mimics the gluten)
1|4 cup flax or chia meal (optional but recommended)
1|2 tsp baking soda
1|8 tsp vanilla salt or sea salt
1 egg or substitute (egg should be room temp)
1|2 cup coconut sugar
1|2 cup high quality butter (I like grass fed, organic or clarified) or coconut oil, both at room temp
1|2 tsp good vanilla
1|2 cup dark chocolate chips
1|4 cup chopped nuts (toasted almonds or walnuts)
1|4 cup oats (also optional) shredded coconut or raisins are also good
2 tablespoons Philosophie Superfood Coconut Butter (also optional but an incredible investment)

METHOD
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Using a hand mixer or by hand with a spoon, mix the dry ingredients together (the first five). In a second bowl, mix the wet ingredients together starting with the butter and the sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg and the vanilla and the Philosophie if using. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Stir in by hand the optional stuff - chocolate chips, nuts, oats, coconut, raisins etc. Spoon into tablespoons onto a non stick baking sheet. Bake one direction for 6 minutes then rotate the pan and bake for another 6. You're done! Cool for 10 minutes then ENJOY!