Vegan Rocky Road Cookies

Welcome to heaven! My heaven (and I'm hoping your's too) is this recipe for Vegan Rocky Road Cookies that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply looking to explore plant-based treats, these soft and chewy chocolate cookies, loaded with vegan chocolate chips, toasted almonds, and fluffy marshmallows, are guaranteed to be a hit. Prepare yourself for a lovely combination of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). So, let's dive into this easy and delectable recipe that's perfect for any occasion, from cozy evenings at home to joyful gatherings with friends and family.

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Ingredients for Vegan Rocky Road Cookies

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the perfect vegan Rocky Road Cookies - from the rich chocolate taste, chewy texture, and delightful mix-ins to ensuring the recipe remains entirely plant-based and suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.

For the Cookie Dough

• Vegan Butter (1 cup): Vegan butter is essential in this recipe as it provides the necessary fat and moisture to create a tender and chewy texture in the cookies. It acts as a substitute for traditional dairy butter.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Brown sugar adds both sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Its slight molasses flavor enhances the rich chocolate taste and contributes to the desirable softness of the cookies.
• Sugar (¾ cup): Regular granulated sugar complements the brown sugar by adding sweetness and contributing to the cookies' texture. It helps create a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
• Nondairy Milk (¼ cup): Nondairy milk serves as a liquid element in the recipe, binding the ingredients together and contributing to the cookies' tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla extract adds a warm and inviting flavor to the cookies. It enhances the overall taste and aroma of the baked treats, making them more enticing.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly while baking. This ensures a light and fluffy texture, creating a balance between the soft center and slightly crisp edges.
• Sea Salt (¾ tsp): Sea salt enhances the flavor of the cookies, especially the chocolate. It provides a perfect balance to the sweetness and adds a touch of complexity to the overall taste.
• Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Cocoa powder is the star ingredient responsible for the rich chocolatey flavor of the cookies. It's what gives them that classic rocky road taste and appearance.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and stability. It binds all the ingredients together and ensures the cookies have the right texture and consistency.

For the Mix-Ins

• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Nondairy chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate goodness throughout the cookies. They melt during baking, creating pockets of chocolatey delight.
• Salted Almonds (½ cup): Salted almonds bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies. They contrast with the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows, adding depth to the overall taste.
• Vegan Mini Marshmallows (½ cup): Vegan mini marshmallows are a must for the classic rocky road experience. They become gooey and slightly toasted during baking, infusing the cookies with that signature marshmallow goodness.

Steps for Making Vegan Rocky Road Cookies (with pictures!)

1. Start by creaming together the vegan butter and sugar. Continue for at least 1 minute or until mixture is light and fluffy. Add nondairy milk, vanilla extract, baking soda and salt to the bowl and beat again until ingredients are well-distributed.
2. Make it chocolate! Add the cocoa powder to the bowl and continue to beat the dough until the chocolate is well-dispersed. You want all of the dough to be the same color. Add in the all purpose flour and mix until just-combined. Do not over-mix.
3. Add the mix-ins and chill the dough. Drop the nondairy chocolate chips and salted almonds into the bowl. Stir them in gently using a wooden spoon. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. Bake! Take 2 tablespoon scoops of cookie dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at least 2 inches apart. Press 2 mini marshmallows into the top of each ball of dough. Place baking sheet on center rack of oven preheated to 350 F (175 C) and bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making Vegan Rocky Road Cookies

1. Use Quality Vegan Ingredients: Opt for high-quality vegan butter, nondairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips to ensure the best taste and texture in your cookies.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars Well: When mixing the vegan butter with brown and granulated sugar, cream them together until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a better texture.
3. Sift the Cocoa Powder: Sifting the cocoa powder helps remove lumps and ensures it's evenly distributed in the dough, preventing any pockets of dry cocoa.
4. Don't Over-mix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: After preparing the cookie dough, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough results in cookies that spread less while baking and have a better texture.
6. Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they're baking, as baking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft, as they'll continue to firm up as they cool.
7. Add Marshmallows Right Before Baking: If you're using vegan mini marshmallows, you can press a few on top of each cookie right before baking to ensure they stay intact and don't melt too much. Mixing the mallows into the dough will result in cookies that spread too much during baking.
8. Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart when they're still warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are rocky road cookies made of?

Bakers typically use a variety of ingredients to create rocky road cookies, resulting in a delicious and indulgent treat. The exact recipe may vary, but the main components of rocky road cookies usually include:

1. Chocolate: Rocky road cookies are chocolate-based, and cocoa powder or melted chocolate is often used to infuse the cookies with a rich chocolate flavor.
2. Vegan Butter: Vegan butter is a key ingredient that provides fat and moisture to the cookies, contributing to their tender texture.
3. Sugar: Both brown sugar and granulated sugar are commonly used to sweeten the cookies and add moisture.
4. Flour: Bakers commonly use all-purpose flour to create the cookie dough's base.
5. Baking Soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly while baking.
6. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, especially the chocolate.
7. Mix-ins: The signature mix-ins in rocky road cookies typically include:
   • Nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts are common choices, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
   • Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are a classic inclusion, adding a soft and gooey element to the cookies.
   • Chocolate Chips: Bakers often add extra chocolate chips to intensify the chocolatey experience.

The combination of these ingredients results in a delectable cookie with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Rocky road cookies are beloved for their rich chocolate taste, chewy center, and the playful contrast between the crunchy nuts and gooey marshmallows. They are a beloved treat that satisfies both chocolate lovers and those who enjoy a mix of textures in their cookies.

Are vegan rocky road cookies difficult to make?

No, vegan rocky road cookies are relatively easy to make. The process involves standard cookie-making techniques, and with the right ingredients, even beginners can successfully bake these delicious treats. This particular recipe is made completely in 1 bowl!

FAQ's Continued

Can I omit the nuts or replace them with something else?

Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have allergies or simply prefer not to include them. You can also replace them with other mix-ins of your choice, such as shredded coconut or chopped dried fruits.

Can I use regular mini marshmallows in place of vegan marshmallows?

If you are not strictly following a vegan diet, you can use regular mini marshmallows. However, if you want to keep the recipe vegan, make sure to use vegan mini marshmallows, which are made without gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients. Great brands of vegan marshmallows include Dandies and Trader Joe's brand.

Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. Dark cocoa powder will give the cookies a deeper chocolate flavor and a darker appearance, which can be equally delicious in rocky road cookies.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Chilling the dough can improve the cookies' texture and make it easier to handle when shaping them. Just make sure to tightly wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating.

How to Serve Vegan Rocky Road Cookies

Serving vegan rocky road cookies offers a delightful experience that individuals can tailor to different occasions and preferences. Here are some enjoyable ways to serve these delectable treats:

1. As a Dessert: Serve the cookies as a delicious dessert after a meal. Arrange them on a serving platter or a dessert tray, and let guests help themselves.
2. With Hot Beverages: Pair vegan rocky road cookies with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a comforting and satisfying treat.
3. Gift Giving: Package the cookies in a decorative box or cookie tin, tied with a ribbon, and give them as thoughtful homemade gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
4. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vegan ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in vegan mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts for added flair.
5. S'mores Inspired: Turn the cookies into a vegan version of s'mores by sandwiching a piece of vegan chocolate and a toasted vegan marshmallow between two cookies.
6. Crumbled Toppings: Crumble the cookies and use them as a tasty topping for vegan ice cream, yogurt, or vegan chocolate mousse.

Remember, vegan rocky road cookies are versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, so get creative and enjoy serving them in ways that suit your preferences and occasions!

How to Store Vegan Rocky Road Cookies

To keep your vegan rocky road cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

1. Allow Cookies to Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the cookies have cooled completely. Placing warm cookies in a storage container can trap moisture and lead to them becoming soggy.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled cookies to an airtight container, such as a cookie jar or a resealable plastic container. Make sure the lid fits tightly to prevent air from getting in and to keep the cookies from drying out.
3. Store at Room Temperature: Vegan rocky road cookies are best stored at room temperature. They will maintain their texture and taste for a few days when stored properly.
4. Avoid Moisture: Keep the cookies away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat or moisture. Exposure to moisture can lead to the cookies becoming soft or losing their crunchiness.
5. Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you want to store the cookies for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to a month. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your vegan rocky road cookies for several days or even freeze them for a longer-lasting treat. Just remember to seal them tightly and keep them in a cool, dry place for the best results.

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