Happy Heart Citrus Cookies

What a spring we have had! Just this past weekend here in Michigan we had a ice storm, a snow day, and we are all scratching our heads thinking is this April or January?!? Personally, I kinda expect this kind of spring torture here in Michigan, but I have to admit this year has really got me going crazy with antsiness and low-grade depression! Let's get on with this weather and let's start to see the warmth, buds, flowers and green grass, already!!!

It efforts to bring a little more warmth and love into our homes this season I made some Happy Heart Cookies with the hint of lemon and orange to help uplift our spirits and perhaps remind our hearts of happiness, love, joy and the gifts of life all around us. These little cookies are a symbol of that. They are just a cookie, yes, but they also represent love and those citrus flavors have a reputation for uplifting the senses and heart to inspire. So we need all of the uplifting, and love and happiness we can get around these parts! So my friends, may you find love and peace in your day and carry on and spread it as best as you can! Sending love and whole-hearted living your way xoxo

Happy Heart Citrus Cookie Recipe

{gluten, dairy, egg, soy, nut, seed and refined-sugar free}

3/4 cup of certified gluten-free oat flour (+ 1 more cup for kneading and rolling out)
(I grind my own out of GF rolled oats)
3/4 cup of fresh ground buckwheat four
3/4 cup of rice flour
3/4 cup of tapioca flour
1/3 cup of coconut palm sugar
2 TB of potato starch
1 1/2 ts. of baking soda
1 ts. of sea salt
1 ts. baking powder
1 organic lemon for zest and juice
1 organic orange for 3-TB of fresh zest and 1/2 cup of fresh juice
1 TB of apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of maple syrup
1/4 cup of pure honey
1 cup of oil: I use a mix of coconut oil and palm oil shortening
1/2 cup of date paste puree

plus 1/4-1/3 cup of sparkling sugar with 1/2 ts. of lemon flavoring oil or 1 ts. lemon juice

In a large bowl, mix together the flours and dry ingredients first, then add in the wet and oils, use a spatula to make sure the oils are evenly pressed through and the batter is soft.  You will need to add about ONE MORE CUP of GF oat flour for kneading, firming up and rolling out.

Let batter sit in the fridge to firm up just a bit, like 15 minutes. Then roll out and cut out the cookies with your favorite heart shaped cutters.  Sprinkle the lemon sparkling suagrs on top of the hearts before baking. You may need to press the suagrs into the cookies justa  bit.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, until golden brown on the bottom. Let cool for at least 20 minutes from the oven before moving to help with less breakage.

There you have it- HAPPY HEART citrus cookies for the win! Hoping this recipe will share a little kindness your way, keep spreading it and let's keep going!