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4 Ingredient Date Caramels

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date caramels on a plate with flaky sea salt on top.

I LOVE dates. I almost always have a bag on-hand. They’re perfect for stuffing with peanut butter, like in my 4-ingredient healthy snickers, or blending with oats to make healthy cookie dough date bites. Or… if you’re like my husband, dates are delicious all on their own!

Dates are the main ingredient in these 4 ingredient date caramels. They’re softened with a little hot water, then blended with almond butter and coconut oil to make a lusciousssss healthy date caramel. And because everything tastes better dipped in chocolate (ok ok, MOST things taste better dipped in chocolate), each date caramel is dunked in melted chocolate, then placed in the freezer until firm. The end result is a perfectly sweet and healthier chocolate-covered caramel candy. YUM!

overhead image of date caramels lined up with flaky sea salt on top.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

  • Medjool Dates: The star ingredient! Medjool dates are naturally sweet and sticky, making them the perfect base for these caramels. If your dates are a bit dry, soaking them in hot water helps soften them up for easy blending. Here’s a link to the medjool dates I purchase on Amazon!
  • Creamy Almond Butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor to the caramels. You can substitute with any nut or seed butter like peanut butter or sunflower seed butter to make the recipe nut-free.
  • Coconut Oil: This helps bind the ingredients together and adds a touch of richness. Use refined coconut oil to avoid any coconut flavor, especially if you want the dates’ natural sweetness to shine through.
  • Chocolate Chips or Bar: Choose a high-quality dark chocolate for a rich coating. If you’re keeping this treat refined sugar-free, look for a chocolate that’s sweetened with coconut sugar or another natural sweetener. The coconut oil added to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and gives the caramels a beautiful glossy finish.

How to Make Date Caramels

  1. Soak the Dates: Start by soaking the dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them, making them easier to blend.
  2. Blend: After soaking, drain the dates and add them to a food processor along with the almond butter and melted coconut oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Shape & Freeze: Spread the date mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan and freeze for 2-3 hours until firm.
  4. Cut into Squares: Once firm, remove from the freezer and cut into 12 small squares.
  5. Dip in Chocolate: Melt the chocolate with a bit of coconut oil, then dip each caramel square into the chocolate until fully coated. Place the coated caramels on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
close up image of a date caramel candy with a bite taken out.

Make Them Nut-Free

If you’re catering to a nut-free crowd, simply swap out the almond butter for sunflower seed butter. The consistency and flavor are just as delicious, making this treat accessible for those with nut allergies!

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Fresh Dates: Fresh, soft dates blend more easily and give you a smoother caramel. If your dates are dry, don’t skip the soaking step.
  • Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low to prevent burning. A double boiler works well, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
  • Storage: These caramels keep best in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have a batch on hand for when the craving hits. They taste great straight from the freezer too!

These caramels are a healthier take on the classic candy, with no need for a candy thermometer or complicated techniques. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

date caramels on a plate with flaky sea salt on top.
3.50 from 2 votes

4 Ingredient Date Caramels

If you’re looking for a vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free treat that’s perfect for gifting or snacking, these 4-ingredient date caramels are your answer! They’re rich, chewy, and coated in decadent chocolate—ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth while sticking to your dietary needs. Plus, they’re easy to make and great for parties!
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Ingredients

For the date caramel:

  • 1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter, or any nut/seed butter
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

For the chocolate coating:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips, or an 8-ounce chocolate bar
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted

Instructions

  • Soak the dates in a bowl of very hot water for 10 minutes.
  • Once dates are very soft, drain them from the water and transfer the soaked dates to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the almond butter and coconut oil to the dates, and pulse until completely smooth.
  • Transfer the date caramel to a 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, then place the pan in the freezer for 2-3 hours, or until date caramel is firm to the touch.
  • Remove the loaf pan from the freezer, and lift the date caramel out of the pan. Place the date caramel on a cutting board and slice into 12 small squares.
  • Melt the chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl in either the microwave or over a double boiler on the stove. Once chocolate is completely smooth and melted, dip each caramel square in the chocolate to fully coat. Carefully lift the caramel out of the chocolate and transfer to a parchment-lined plate.
  • Repeat the dipping process with all caramels, then transfer to the fridge for 1 hour or until chocolate has hardened and is completely set. Once set, enjoy your chocolate covered date caramels, or keep stored in the fridge to enjoy later on!

Notes

  • These date caramels are best stored in the fridge or freezer! If left at room temperature, the chocolate will melt.
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Single Serve Protein Cookie (gluten-free, dairy-free, & egg-free)

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    single serve protein cookie with a bite taken out.

    It can sometimes be a chore to eat enough protein throughout the day. While I do my best by starting most mornings with one of my healthy smoothie recipes, and squeeze in a high protein snack box in the afternoons when I get a chance, I still end most days feeling like I need a little more protein to keep me going. And because you guys know that I don’t end a single day without a sweet treat, I decided to get creative and figure out a way to sneak some extra protein into my nightly dessert.

    This high protein cookie makes just enough for a single serving, and is packed with a whopping 30 grams of protein! However, because my husband often gets jealous when he looks over on the couch and sees me eating one of these warm and gooey protein cookies, I often double the recipe to make two cookies (he’s so spoiled, ha!). Also, what makes this cookie unique, is that it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and easily made vegan depending on what kind of protein powder you use. So it’s the perfect little high protein night cap, no matter what your dietary restrictions are!

    Overhead image of a single serve protein chocolate chip cookie cut in half.

    What You’ll Need to Make This Single Serve Protein Cookie

    • Oat Flour (or all-purpose flour): Provides a hearty and gluten-free base for the cookie, giving it a perfect chewy texture. Feel free to use almond flour or all purpose flour in place of the oat flour in this recipe!
    • Non-Dairy Milk: Keeps the cookie moist and helps to combine all the ingredients. Start with one tablespoon and add more if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
    • Vanilla or Unflavored Protein Powder: Adds a protein boost to the cookie. I used Be Well Vanilla Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder, which bakes up great and is dairy-free!
    • Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a bit of healthy fat, and helps the cookie hold together. Feel free to use any other nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter in this recipe!
    • Maple Syrup: Just one tablespoon makes this single serve protein cookie perfectly sweet, but not too sweet.
    • Chocolate Chips: Can’t have a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips! I typically reach for Guittard extra dark chocolate chips because I prefer a chocolate that isn’t overly sweet.

    How to Make This Recipe

    1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Mix: Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a bowl and mix together until fully combined. Then, mix in the chocolate chips.
    3. Shape and Bake: Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking sheet and form the dough into a cookie shape. Bake for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
    close up image of a single serve protein cookie with a bite taken out.

    Switch Up the Flavors

    This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste:

    • Oatmeal Raisin: Add a tablespoon of raisins and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
    • Nutella Cookie: Substitute peanut butter with Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread.
    • Birthday Cake: Use cake batter protein powder and add a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles!
    • White Chocolate Macadamia: Add white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts to the dough.
    • Snickerdoodle: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and roll the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.

    Storage Tips

    Since this recipe makes just one cookie, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to one month. Just shape it into a cookie and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

    single serve protein cookie with a bite taken out.
    4.09 from 98 votes

    Single Serve Protein Cookie

    This single-serve protein cookie is the ultimate snack or post-workout treat, packed with over 25 grams of protein! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made vegan by using vegan protein powder. This cookie will soon become your go-to recipe when you need a quick and healthy sweet treat!
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    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 1 serving

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup oat flour (all purpose flour or almond flour will also work)
    • 1-2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (start with 1 tablespoon, then add a second if the cookie dough is too thick)
    • 2 tablespoons vanilla or unflavored protein powder
    • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter, unsweetened
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or your preferred liquid sweetener
    • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a bowl and mix together until fully combined. Then, mix in the chocolate chips.
    • Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking sheet and form the dough into a cookie. Bake for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool before eating.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 217mg | Fiber: 5.3g | Sugar: 20g

    This single-serve protein cookie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Save this post and refer back to it whenever you need a quick and healthy treat!

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    30 Minutes or Less

    4 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bark (vegan and gluten-free!)

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    4 ingredient gluten free cookie dough bark piece with sea salt on top.

    I’m here to give the people what they want, and it’s become very clear that the people want MORE COOKIE DOUGH! So here we go, vegan, gluten-free, no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough bark. I basically took my gluten-free edible cookie dough recipe and combined it with my no-bake healthy cookie cough bars to create this delicious sweet treat!

    This cookie dough bark is an indulgent yet healthier dessert that combines the classic taste of cookie dough with the ease of a no-bake treat. And like I said before, it’s gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, and low in sugar, making it perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising on dietary needs. Plus, it only requires four simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation time, setting in the freezer instead of the oven!

    close-up image of 4 ingredient healthy cookie dough bark.

    What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

    Almond Flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free, grain-free alternative to traditional flour. It adds a slightly nutty flavor and provides a sturdy base for the cookie dough, making it perfect for creating a delicious bark. I buy this bulk bag of almond flour on Amazon, it’s a pantry staple in my home!

    Melted Coconut Oil: Coconut oil acts as the binding agent and helps the ingredients meld together. It also keeps the cookie dough bark vegan and dairy-free. However, if you don’t have coconut oil, you can use melted butter instead (do not use vegetable oil!)

    Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookie dough. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

    Chocolate Chips: Using dark chocolate chips keeps the sugar content low and ensures the bark remains vegan. The melted chocolate forms the layers that sandwich the cookie dough, creating a delightful crunch with each bite.

    Is This Cookie Dough Bark Safe to Eat?

    Yes, this cookie dough bark is safe to eat. The recipe uses almond flour instead of raw flour, eliminating the risk of contamination. Additionally, it’s egg-free, which means there’s no risk of salmonella from raw eggs. This makes it a worry-free indulgence for cookie dough lovers!

    Storage Tips

    Store the cookie dough bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

    4 ingredient cookie dough bark on a baking sheet with milk on the side.

    Switch Up the Flavors of This Cookie Dough Bark

    Personalize your cookie dough bark by adding various mix-ins. You can stir in some chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles for added texture and flavor. For a fun twist, sprinkle some crushed pretzels or M&M’s on top of the melted chocolate before it sets. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try adding a spoonful of peanut butter or a dash of cinnamon to the cookie dough mix.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    • Vegan: Uses plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and almond flour.
    • Gluten-Free: Almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour.
    • Low-Carb: Almond flour and dark chocolate keep the carb content low.
    • Low Sugar: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and uses dark chocolate chips.
    4 ingredient gluten free cookie dough bark piece with sea salt on top.
    3.80 from 215 votes

    4 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bark

    This 4 ingredient cookie dough bark is the ultimate no-bake sweet treat! It’s gluten-free, vegan, low sugar, and totally delicious.
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    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup almond flour
    • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
    • 1/4 cup maple syrup
    • 1 cup chocolate chips, divided

    Instructions

    • Mix together the almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Add in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and mix again to combine.
    • Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, then place the cookie dough mixture on top of the parchment paper. Spread and flatten the mixture with your hands to form a large piece of cookie dough bark.
    • Melt the remaining 3/4 cups of chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough bark. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, then place the bark in the freezer for at least one hour.
    • When ready to eat, remove the cookie dough bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away and store leftover bark in the freezer for later!
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    Dairy-Free

    3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

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    overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

    It’s been a HOT summer so far. So hot in fact, that I’ve been avoiding turning on my oven unless absolutely necessary. But you guys know me by now, even without an oven I still need a little something sweet on-hand at all times. Healthy No-Bake Cookie Doughs Bars have been on repeat lately, and so have 4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers. And while both of those no bake desserts are delicious and ones I’d never get sick of, it was definitely time to switch things up!

    These homemade crunch bars are made with just THREE ingredients. They’re totally vegan and gluten-free, and I’ll even include a paleo and keto option if you want to give those a try. They’re perfectly sweet, extra crunchy, and seriously SO easy to make!

    overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

    Why These Are the Best Homemade Crunch Bars

    These bars are not only simple to make but also healthier and more customizable than store-bought versions. By using high-quality ingredients, you avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. The addition of peanut butter gives extra creaminess and flavor, making these bars a delightful treat for all ages!

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate for a less sweet version or semi-sweet for a classic candy bar taste. Vegan options like Guittard Extra Dark Baking Chips are perfect for dairy-free needs.
    • Peanut Butter: Can be substituted with any nut or seed butter. Ensure it’s creamy for the best texture.
    • Rice Cakes/Crisp Cereal: Gluten-free rice cakes or cereals ensure the bars are safe for those with gluten intolerances!
    ingredients for healthy homemade crunch bars recipe.

    How to Make Homemade Crunch Bars

    1. Line your pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
    2. Melt chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
    3. Mix in crumbled rice cakes to combine.
    4. Spread mixture in the prepared pan and freeze until solid.
    5. Cut into squares and enjoy your homemade bars.

    Storage Tips

    Store these homemade crunch bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture and shelf life. They can start to soften if left at room temperature for too long. Or, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months!

    3 ingredient no bake healthy homemade crunch bar on a table.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    • Keto Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace rice cakes with crushed nuts or seeds.
    • Vegan Option: Ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly. Brands like Enjoy Life are great choices.
    • Paleo Option: Use paleo-approved chocolate, like Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems and replace rice cakes with chopped nuts or seeds for the crunch.

    Tips and Tricks

    1. Microwave Melting: Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in short bursts to prevent burning, or use a double boiler instead if you’d like.
    2. Layer Thickness: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan to ensure uniform bars.
    3. Add-Ins: Feel free to add a pinch of salt or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Or, finish the bars with flaky sea salt like I did – YUM!

    By following these tips and utilizing high-quality ingredients, you’ll have delicious, homemade crunch bars that are perfect for any occasion!

    overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.
    5 from 7 votes

    3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

    This 3 ingredient homemade crunch bars recipe is the perfect vegan and gluten-free sweet treat! They’re no bake, totally delicious, and irresistibly crispy. These homemade candy bars are also much healthier than store-bought!
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    Ingredients

    • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
    • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened
    • 2 rice cakes, crumbled (or 1 cup rice crisp cereal)

    Instructions

    • Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
    • Add the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter to a bowl, then microwave in 30 second increments (stirring between each increment) until chocolate has melted.
    • Add in the crumbled rice cakes and mix everything together to combine.
    • Transfer the crunch bar mixture to your prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Place the bars in the freezer until solid, about 1 hour, then remove and cut into squares.
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    30 Minutes or Less

    4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

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    overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

    I recently shared a 4 ingredient healthy snickers recipe, and since those were such a huge hit, I thought… what candy bar can I recreate next?! So I took a quick peek into my pantry and found two giant bags of shredded coconut (bought one forgetting I had the other) and just like that the light bulb went off – ALMOND JOY! I continued my brainstorming and realized the easiest way to recreate this delicious candy bar would be in cookie form. So here ya have it, 4 ingredient almond joy cookies!

    And if the few-ingredient healthier dessert thing sparks your interest, I have to recommend you also give my 5 ingredient gluten-free cookie dough a try! Yup, just 5 ingredients, NO baking, and healthier than most other cookie dough recipes out there.

    close-up image of a 4 ingredient almond joy cookies with shredded coconut on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make 4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

    Unsweetened Coconut – Opt for a brand like Bob’s Red Mill, which offers high-quality unsweetened shredded coconut. Unsweetened shredded coconut adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the cookies without added sugar!

    Chocolate Chips – I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best balance of sweetness and flavor.

    Almonds – Choose roasted and salted almonds for a savory crunch. Chopping the almonds roughly ensures that each bite has a nice crunch and balances the chewy texture of the coconut.

    Sweetened Condensed Milk – I used Nature’s Charm sweetened condensed coconut milk to make these vegan cookies, but regular sweetened condensed milk will work just as well. Both options give the cookies their rich, gooey texture and perfect amount of sweetness!

    ingredients needed to make 4 ingredient almond joy cookies.

    How to Make This Recipe

    1. Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
    3. Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet, spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
    4. Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
    5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

    Variations

    Get creative with these add-ins for your Almond Joy Cookies:

    • Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/4-1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, then drizzle over the top of the baked and cooled cookies.
    • Different Nuts: Swap out almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans.
    • Cherry Addition: Add dried cherries to the cookie batter for a fruity twist!
    • Almond Extract: Enhance the almond flavor by adding a little bit of almond or vanilla extract.
    • Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. I used Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk and my cookies turned out great!

    overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.
    3.87 from 15 votes

    4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

    These delicious 4 ingredient almond joy cookies are one of the easiest cookies you could ever make! Filled with flaked coconut, chocolate chips, and crunchy almonds, this cookie recipe is totally gluten-free, and includes a vegan option too. Plus, all ingredients can be stored in your pantry, making it super convenient to bake these cookies anytime those sweet cravings hit!
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    Ingredients

    • 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for added texture, use 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut PLUS 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes)
    • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
    • 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
    • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, or 1 (11.25 ounce) can sweetened condensed coconut milk

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
    • Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet. Spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
    • Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookie from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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