Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and Dark Morning Runs

Happy Monday Friends!!

Okay, so I know I have been posting more food than anything else lately, and I apologize. It seems that besides running and working on my Master’s classes, all I have been doing is cooking. I finally got to do some baking yesterday. I love to bake and it’s been awhile. And since my fridge and freezer is overflowing with pureed pumpkin….don’t believe me take a look,,,,

Baking was in short order!!

I did some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin cookies and made some GF pumpkin cookies as well. Enjoy these cookies over Thanksgiving break with the kids, spouse, family, and/or friends. They are great paired with hot cocoa or a glass of almond milk!!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan and GF)

Prep time: 10 minutes       Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 2 c pureed pumpkin (canned or homemade)
• 3/4 c brown sugar*
• 1/2 c organic raw sugar**
• 2 Tbs flax + 6 Tbs water
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 c GF flour (for my favorite blend click here) or 3 c whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 tsp xanthan gum*** (if using whole wheat flour you don’t need xanthan gum)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 – 1/2 c dark chocolate chips (choose GF)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl combine sugars, flax + water and pureed pumpkin. Mix well. Mix in vanilla extract. In small mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients except dark chocolate chips. Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients in batches and combine well. Once well combined, stir in dark chocolate chips. Mixture will be wet. Using a tablespoon drop dough on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 -12 minutes (should be lightly browned and fluffy).

Servings: 32 cookies

*If you want these sugar free just sub maple syrup for the brown sugar

**Sub coconut sugar for raw organic sugar, if you want sugar free

***If using whole wheat flour you don’t need xanthan gum. This acts as a binder for non gluten flours.

Oh and here’s the recipe for my Kale Lentil Soup I made Sunday evening for dinner. It’s yummy!! Perfect for #meatlessmonday

As for the running….

One things for sure: there’s been a lot of dark morning runs!! I am already longing for Spring. I did get a Brooks Nightlife Jacket for evening and early morning runs. So much cuter than wearing a reflective vest, and it’s great as an extra layer now that the temps are dropping.

I am loving the jacket!! It has lots of pockets for storing keys, phone, fuel, etc and the fit is perfect. I liked how it’s not so tight you can layer underneath it. And knowing I am seen is always a plus!!

I am continuing my base in preparation for Boston training, which starts right before Christmas!! I can’t believe I am starting my training again. It feels like I was just training for Boston….Time does fly!!

Until next time, Be Wholesome and Be Fit!!