Sicilian Fruit Cookies

These tender fruit and nut-filled cookies are my husband’s favorite. I think they will be a hit for you too.

Makes 30-36 cookies

Ingredient List:

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) vegan buttery spread (like Earth Balance), softened
• ¼ cup brown rice syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 ½ cups sprouted whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
• Pinch sea salt
• Pinch ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ½ cup golden raisins

Step By Step Instructions:

Place the vegan buttery spread, syrup, coconut sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl and whip with a hand mixer until creamy and fluffy.

Mix together flours, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, almonds, pine nuts, and raisins to form a soft dough.

Form the dough into a 3-inch- thick log. It will be long. Wrap it in plastic and chill for 1 hour before proceeding.

Preheat oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Unwrap the chilled dough and using a wet knife, slice the log into ½-inch- thick slices. Lay the cookies on the baking sheets, leaving some room for them to spread room. Bake for 14-15 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven while they are still soft and transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely before storing.