Snoop around my bookshelves long enough, and you’ll find my little stash of vegan cookbooks. Some of the best meat-free cookbooks in existence are the ones co-authored by the vegan dyamic duo, Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. One book that I’ve had for a while and have used many times is their 2009 cookie bible, Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar. When I busted it out this past Thanksgiving, I realized that I have never shown it the proper book blogger love it deserves. So here it goes…
Like most of their cookbooks, Vegan Cookies begins with a primer on ingredients. They run from the basic (all-purpose flour) to the slightly more exotic (barley malt), but the majority of the recipes in the book call for ingredients that are available in most grocery stores. If you come across a recipe with hard-to-find-locally ingredients, fear not! There’s a list of websites at the end of this section to point you in the right direction.
The next section is “Tools for Success,” in which Moskowitz and Romero give a run down useful supplies you should have, suggestions for ingredient substitutions, plus a list of troubleshooting tips for a variety of problems like fixing problematic dough.
Now on to the fun part–the cookies!
I actually made two different cookies from this book last week. One recipe was an unfortunate disaster, but it was all my doing–I had a massive brain fart and added about a cup more flour than called for! Though those “cookies” tasted good fresh out of the oven, they quickly turned into sugar-coated rocks. I was very sad. And mad at myself for not reading the troubleshooting section.
I got my act together on the second recipe, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving-ish flavors, attempted the Sell Your Soul Pumpkin Cookies. Now, I don’t even like pumpkin. Pumpkin pie? NASTY! But these cookies? FREAKING. AWESOME.
They were so awesome that I made three batches (and promptly inhaled about a third). These cookies were small and soft and embellished by shelled pumpkin seeds. They were a huge hit with the relatives.
In the past, I’ve made the Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows (a little labor-intensive, but soooo worth it), and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles (spicy, and soooo delicious). My coworkers loved them. I’ve also made the chocolate chip cookies and Peanut Butter Crisscrosses with great success. There are 100 cookie recipes to choose from in this book; whether you’re looking for something decadent, fancy, or wholesome, you’re sure to find something to impress friends or simply satisfy your munchies.
Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar was released by Da Capo Lifelong Books on November 10, 2009.
Feminist Texican Reads 
Those pumpkin cookies look so pretty. I’ll suggest this book to my vegan friends.
I have been a vegetarian for years, and have recently flirted with the idea of going vegan…though i don’t think I can give up yogurt. But I like to use vegan recipes as much as I can, and this cookbook looks like alot of fun.
Ooh, those look delicious. I checked out the Mexican Hot Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chocolate cookies, too, and I do believe I’ll have to make both good and soon. I’m such a sucker for chocolately goodness.
I soooo want this book. It has been on my wishlist for ages!
All of the listed recipes sound yummy. but then again, I am a big baking fan since and early age. thanks for sharing your review.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles?! I am so there. Looking for this at the library. Yum!
I grabbed your Mexican Hot chocolate cookies recipe! And will pass this book title on to my vegan friend!