Desserts

December 11, 2023

Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

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Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a healthy, festive holiday cookie. These gluten-free cookies are bursting with peppermint flavor!

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A stack of Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, with one cookie leaning on the stack.

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Thin mints are the most popular Girl Scout cookie for good reason - that chocolate-peppermint flavor combination is *chef's kiss*

These Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies cookies have double the chocolate and double the peppermint. The cookies are made with cocoa powder and peppermint extract. Then dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with candy canes.

A delicious, and super festive cookie for your Christmas cookie collection!

Plus, these Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are gluten-free and WFPB. They are made with oat flour and sweetened with maple syrup. Healthy AND festive!

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A pile of Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.

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Why I love these Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

  • Dietary needs — these cookies are plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free
  • Peppermint-chocolate flavors — like the holidays in a cookie! These cookies are like a thin mint stepped up a notch
  • No equipment — all you need is a bowl! No hand mixer required.
  • Simple ingredients — you probably have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your house. Make these cookies whenever you want!
  • Whole foods ingredients — no refined sugar here! We use maple syrup and coconut sugar for sweetness. And no eggs or butter. Just ground flax and nut butter
  • Oil-free, but they don't taste it — not only do these cookies not use butter, they have no oil at all! These cookies use nut butter as a healthier, less processed alternative to oil.

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A Chocolate Peppermint Cookie on a countertop.

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Cashew or Almond Butter: I use nut butter in cookies instead of vegan butter - it is much healthier! I used cashew butter, because it is the most neutral-tasting nut butter and has a slightly sweet flavor, but any neutral-tasting nut butter like almond butter will work!
  • Maple Syrup: a liquid sugar is helpful in WFPB cookies, because without regular butter there is less moisture
  • Coconut Sugar: I used coconut sugar in these cookies - I love the caramel-like flavor. I listed substitutions in the recipe card to use date sugar or white sugar instead
  • Flax Egg: a mixture of ground flaxseed and milk or water.
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Peppermint Extract: for peppermint flavor. A little goes a long way, so don't add any more than called for
  • Oat Flour: I love using oat flour in cookies because it's naturally gluten-free and can be made easily at home! If you make it at home, be sure to grind the oats into a fine powder - coarse oat flour will create a rougher texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: use unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking Powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Salt
  • Crushed Candy Canes: candy canes aren't exactly whole food plant-based, so definitely leave them out if you're looking for a WFPB treat. But if you'd like to include them, they add a nice pop of color and some extra peppermint flavor to these cookies

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Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients

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How to make Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2. In a large bowl whisk the nut butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, flax egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.

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Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Step 2 - mix the sugar and nut butter.

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Step 3. Add in the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a dough forms and all the flour is incorporated.

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Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Step 3 - add the flours.

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Step 4. Transfer to a cutting board sprinkled with flour or cocoa powder. Use a rolling pin or drinking glass to roll the dough flat (about 1/8" thickness). You can do this in two batches. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles. Re-roll any remaining dough and continue until all the dough has been portioned.

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Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Step 4 - roll and cut into circles.

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Step 5. Transfer the circles to the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let sit on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to let the cookies cool completely.

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Step 6. When the cookies are cool, melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl (ideally a bowl with high sides). Heat in the microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate is smooth.

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Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Step 6 - melt the chocolate.

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Step 7. Dip each cookie halfway into the chocolate. Set on a parchment-lined pan or wire rack. Before the chocolate is fully solid, sprinkle with candy canes. Allow the chocolate to solidify before serving.

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Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Step 7 - dip each cookie in chocolate, sprinkle with candy canes, then let set.

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FAQ & Expert Tips

Do I have to roll the dough?

No. If you want, you can scoop the dough into balls like normal cookies. Use a wet hand to flatten each cookie before baking.

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Storing WFPB Cookies

Store these cookies in in an air-tight container at room temperature. These cookies will last 7-10 days.

You can also freeze these cookies. Place in a zip top bag and freeze for up to six months.

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for this healthy version of holiday cookies. Help us to celebrate You this Christmas. Amen.

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A row of Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and a Christmas wreath.

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More Vegan Christmas Cookies

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Tried this recipe?

Please leave a review in the comments section below and post on Instagram tagging me @elizabeths_table. You can also stay in touch with me on social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok or by subscribing to my newsletter.

Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a healthy, festive holiday cookie. These gluten-free cookies are bursting with peppermint flavor!

Author:

Elizabeth

Serves:

24

Prep:

50

min

cook:

10

min

total:

60

min

Print It

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup Cashew or Almond Butter
  • ½ Cup Maple Syrup
  • ⅓ Cup Coconut Sugar (see notes for substitutions)
  • 1 Tablespoon Ground Flaxseeds + 2 Tablespoons Non-Dairy Milk
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • ¾ Teaspoon Peppermint Extract
  • 2 Cups Finely Ground Oat Flour
  • ½ Cup Cocoa Powder + extra for rolling
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • ¾ Cup Vegan Chocolate Chips
  • ¼ Cup Crushed Candy Canes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl whisk the nut butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, flax egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
  3. Add in the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a dough forms and all the flour is incorporated.
  4. Transfer to a cutting board sprinkled with flour or cocoa powder. Use a rolling pin or drinking glass to roll the dough flat (about 1/8" thickness). You can do this in two batches. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles. Re-roll any remaining dough and continue until all the dough has been portioned.
  5. Transfer the circles to the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let sit on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to let the cookies cool completely.
  6. When the cookies are cool, melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl (ideally a bowl with high sides). Heat in the microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate is smooth.
  7. Dip each cookie halfway into the chocolate. Set on a parchment-lined pan or wire rack. Before the chocolate is fully solid, sprinkle with candy canes. Allow the chocolate to solidify before serving.

Notes

Sugar Substitutions

Date Sugar: if you would like to substitute date sugar in place of coconut sugar, use 1/3 cup of date sugar, as called for in the recipe, and decrease the flour to 1 1/2 cups.

Regular Sugar: you should be able to sub in regular white sugar for coconut sugar 1:1. I have not tested this.

You might also like

Gluten-Free Vegan Hummingbird Cake (WFPB)
Vegan Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies
Vegan Gluten Free Bread Pudding

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March 28, 2023
Paula
Made these today and they’re delicious. Easy to make and didn’t take long to bake in convection oven. Thanks for your creativity. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
Hi Paula - Thanks so much for your comment :) So glad to hear that you tried the nuggets and enjoyed them! Can't wait to hear how it goes with other recipes you try!
March 17, 2023
merlinda
thanks for ginger tea recipe it's really good remedy for cold and flu.
January 15, 2023
Kathy
I really appreciated your ginger tea recipe. I also read it is great for morning also.
December 3, 2022
Beth
I made one like this a few years ago. Super yummy! Now I need to try some of your recipes. But where to start???🤷‍♀️💕💕
November 21, 2022
Virginia Sparks
I was in the middle of making your Tempeh Swiss Chard recipe and noticed you never mentioned how much Swiss Chard to add. I just added the sautéed tempeh towards the end and mixed it all together. I also reduced the amount of red pepper flakes.
Hi Jenny - so sorry about that! It should be one bunch. I've updated the recipe to include the correct information. Thanks!
November 20, 2022
Elissa
This looks fantastic! Do you think we could substitute butternut squash for the acorn squash?
Hi Elissa - you can definitely use butternut squash. In terms of texture, the pie will be exactly the same with either squash. I'd recommend using the volume measurement instead of the weight measurement, since the density of butternut squash isn't exactly the same as acorn squash. Also, the flavor of the butternut squash might come through in the end pie a bit more prominently than acorn squash does, but I don't think it will be too noticeable. Let me know how it goes if you try with the butternut squash. I'd love to hear!
November 8, 2022
Gerry rauch
I AM NEWLY VEGAN (MOSTLY), HARD GETTING AROUND CHEESE WHEN GOING T FRIENDS HOUSES OR OUT TO EAT WITH SOME GROUPS….OK WITH THAT….DONE W MEAT…BUT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOLIDAY COOKING FOR MY LARGER, MEAT-EATING FAMILY…ESP CHRISTMAS DINNER…..SUGGESTIONS? THANKS
October 31, 2022
Debbie G.
Hi Elizabeth!Love your recipe prayer! I've never seen anyone else include a prayer with their recipes. Nicely done and to God be all the Glory!Blessings,Debbie
October 8, 2022
Noam
Just made a half batch of these and they came out really good! I learned I don’t know how to work with melted chocolate yet haha but I got it done!
Hi Noam - Glad you liked these bars! And I feel ya on the chocolate - somehow it is always a messy process. Thanks so much for sharing!
September 5, 2022
Sara
I get most of my recipes from youtube. I would love to see you on there. I didn't see a link for a youtube channel, just wanted to ask to be sure. God bless hon and thanks for this tasty recipe.
Hi Sara - thanks so much for your kind words. I am starting to post more on YouTube (I currently only have a few videos posted) but here's the link to my channel if you'd like to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2QgTWxlePeiezIu6l_BUg -Elizabeth
August 17, 2022
Katherine
THIS LOOKS DELICIOUS! DID YOU USE FIRE-ROASTED TOMATOES?
Hi Katherine - yes, I did use fire-roasted tomatoes when I photographed this recipe. I don't call for fire roasted in the recipe because it's intended to be a basic, use-in-anything type recipe. But it does taste delicious with the fire roasted tomatoes! -- Elizabeth
August 15, 2022
Cat Lewis
Hello - Is there a way to PIN this recipe? Thanks.
Hi Cat - yes, I just fixed an error on the site. You should be able to see a button above the very first image on the page that will allow you to pin the recipe. Let me know if you're still having trouble.
August 12, 2022
Allison Macfarlane
As someone who has pretty much never successfully scrambled tofu - this was the best scrambled breakfast dish I've ever had - better than eggs and the seasoning is truly delicious!!
Oh, amazing! So glad to hear it went well :) This is definitely one of my favorites - thanks for sharing your kind words! -- Elizabeth
August 4, 2022
Mary Merkelhess
The pesto is lovely! So happy to avoid the cheese and oil.
Hi Mary - So glad you like the pesto! I'm also happy to avoid the cheese and oil :) Thanks so much for your kind words!
July 21, 2022
Debra
I enjoy reading through your recipes and will be trying a few later in the week. I especially like the prayers at the end of each recipe. It reminds me to be grateful God provides me with so many beautiful and nourishing fruits and veggies.
Hi Debra - thank you so much for your kind words! I can't wait to hear how it goes when you try some of the recipes :)
June 22, 2022
Vickie
I really enjoyed this recipe. Fits PERFECTLY in my allergy to foods world. I used Ripple milk and no sugar added SunButter. Was truly surprised at how quickly the recipe came together! Thank you!
Hi Vickie - I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe and that it works with your allergies. Thanks so much for leaving a comment with your kind words!
June 21, 2022
Linda Casados
It's close to my bedtime, but I've been thinking about making this recipe all day, so I made it just now. After all, it only takes 15 minutes! I used what I had, so I made a few minor substitutions...white beans for cannellini, purple basil from my garden, red onion for more color, and date syrup for maple. I took a bite before putting it in the fridge for tomorrow, and oh my! It's delightfully flavorful, light, and fresh-tasting. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Hi Linda - I'm so glad you liked the recipe - and your substitutions sound great (wish I was growing purple basil in my garden!) Thanks so much for sharing!
June 18, 2022
Carol
Hi, is this ice cream soft to scoop out? I always find my ice creams are hard.
Hi Carol - yes, this ice cream is soft if you let it thaw a few minutes after you take it out from the freezer. It can become pretty solid if it's in a deep freezer, but still thaws quickly on the counter. Hope this helps!
June 18, 2022
Sonia Hope St Claire
thank you for the recipe.
June 13, 2022
Alexandra
I made this pie for my friend who recently discovered she has severe allergies to egg whites, gluten, and dairy. Her favorite pie is sweet potato pie :) She loved it and so did I!
Hi Alexandra - so great to hear from you!! I'm so happy you tried this pie and I'm glad you enjoyed it! It is seriously one of my favorite recipes :) -- Elizabeth
June 7, 2022
Harriett Whited
Love it!!! Wonderful!
Thanks for your feedback! Glad you love this recipe :)
June 7, 2022
Katherine
Hi Elizabeth! I found you by searching for plant based Catholics! There are very few of us! Thank you for your site and sharing recipes!! I look forward to trying these muffins! Can sugar be reduced safely in most of your recipes? -JMJ-
Hi Katherine, Thanks so much for reaching out! Glad to meet another plant-based Catholic - agree, there are so few of us. As for sugar, I never use white granulated sugar in any of my recipes. Most use maple syrup or date sugar/date syrup. I'm not sure if this is what you mean, or if you're asking about reducing the amount of date sugar that the recipe calls for. If that's the case, it really depends on the recipe. A lot of the baking recipes have specific ratios of flour to sugar and wet to dry, so it may not go well if you change the amount of sugar. I hope this helps, but if I didn't answer your question, please let me know. Also happy to advise on a particular recipe if you're looking to change it. Let me know how I can help :) Elizabeth
June 2, 2022
Sharon
Love this vegan lentil/mushroom stew! For some odd reason, I had never thought to put mushrooms into my lentil stew. Thank you for a wonderful addition to my recipe box!
Hi Sharon - I'm so glad you are enjoying this recipe (mushrooms are so good!!). Thank you for taking the time to share :) Elizabeth
May 23, 2022
Geraldine
Hello, I found you on FB and really enjoy your Catholic Plant Based GF information & recipes. About the Chickpea beet burgers: if the beans are dried and not cooked, do you think it is enough cooking for the beans? If beans are not cooked completely I have read they are toxic with phytic acid & also cause digestive problems. I am just wondering and will leave it to you to decide/research. To be safe I am toasting canned garbanzos and trying that way out. God Bless
Hi Geraldine, Thanks so much for reaching out. In the beet burgers, the beans do get cooked when the burgers are cooked. You soak them first and then incorporate the beans into the burger patty, then cook the patty. I find that this is the best way to achieve the proper burger texture - if you use pre-cooked beans or canned beans the burgers are mushy and don't get crisp. Your solution of toasting the beans sounds like a great idea to completely ensure the beans are cooked fully - I hope that it worked for you and your burgers turned out well! -- Elizabeth
May 18, 2022
viki avgen (i am israel)
hi,thank you for the recepie of the banana.Iam diebetik and i would love any recepies without sugar. thank you
Hi Viki - thanks so much for your kind words! Several of my other dessert recipes are only sweetened with fruit - you can find them on my Desserts page. If you have any specific requests, please let me know! -- Elizabeth
April 28, 2022
Jean Mastin
Elizabeth: Thank you so much for making my meal times wonderful again. I am 86 yrs plus, and was finding eating dull and dreary. Now it is " scrum delicious time to eat". . Blessings de Jean
Hi Jean - Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm so glad you are enjoying my recipes. Please let me know if you ever have recipe requests or if there's anything else I can do to keep your meals delicious!
April 9, 2022
Katie
Can you leave nutritional info for your recipes? Serving size/calories would be so helpful! Trying mushroom lentil stew tonight! and looking forward to crispy chickpea stuffed sweet potatoes very soon. Thanks for creating healthy, attractive recipes!
Hi Katie - so excited to hear that you are trying some of my recipes! I'd love to hear how they go. I haven't posted nutritional information for my recipes because I know it can be difficult for some people with disordered eating to see nutrition facts. I've gotten a lot of requests to add them recently, so I'm working on a solution that can provide information for those who want it but not be triggering for others. In the meantime, if you're curious about the nutrient info about a particular recipe, I recommend using Cronometer. It's a website/app to track and understand nutrient info and I think it does a great job of emphasizing all the nutrients (not just macros). I hope this helps! Please let me know if I can help in any other way.
April 9, 2022
Vickey
U mentioned date sugar on this recipe but it’s not in the instructions. I know u add it but just in case u wanna add to instructions. Love ur recipes! Thank u. I’m thinking of going to vegan a little nervous tho lol
Hi Vickey - thanks so much for catching that! I am updating the post now. So happy to hear you enjoy my recipes. And exciting that you are thinking about going vegan!! If there's anything that I can do to help, please let me know.
March 28, 2022
Sr Maureen Egan
I'd love to try this soup. What are the nutritional values, like how much fat does it contain, carbs, etc.
Hi Sr Maureen - I usually don't post macronutrient information because I know each person has their own goals and I don't want to encourage or discourage anyone's specific goals. But I often use Cronometer as a tool to understand the nutritional profile of my recipes. I plugged the ingredient information for this recipe into Cronometer and got the following nutrient information per serving: 521 calories, 44g fat, 23g carbs, 16g protein. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions and if you try the recipe!
March 26, 2022
Margareta Ahle
This curry is absolutely delicious.
Thank you so much! It's one of my favorites :)
March 23, 2022
Martha maloney
Thank you I have been doing the fruit and oatmeal, etc for years and I love it. I will try the pears. I refrigerate my left over oatmeal and with a touch of milk or fruit juice liquid it’s fine the next day. Just a warning about tofu; it interferes with some medicines especially Thyroid medicine. Thank you for the short prayers, there are lovely.
Hi Martha - thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you like the prayers! As someone who doesn't take any medications I have no issues with eating tofu and encouraging others to eat it too (it's a great source of protein!). That said, you should always consult with your doctor about possible interactions with medications. I have plenty of recipes without tofu, so hopefully you can find things that work for you!
March 3, 2022
Susan Cunningham
I made this for Ash Wednesday and it was delicious. It was also simple and not much work time once the mushrooms and onions were cut.
Hi Susan - I'm so glad you liked it!
March 1, 2022
Jade
When you say shape into a rectangular loaf, what dimensions? 1/2 thick by 8 inches long or?
My loaf was about 7" long and 4" wide with about 1" of height. Then I sliced it 1/2" thick along the long end to get 12ish biscotti. I will clarify this in the post! Let me know if this makes sense and if you have any other questions.
January 16, 2022
Tracy Henry
Made this tonight. Absolutely delicious Elizabeth. You got this one just right!
Oh yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)
January 16, 2022
L Collins
Hi Could you please confirm two things:1. The amount of salt. Seems like too much. 2. The directions say there is lemon juice in the dressing but it’s not listed under ingredients. ThanksL.
Hi there! Confirming that the two teaspoons of salt in the dressing is correct. I didn't salt the cauliflower when roasting it or the salad after it was done, so this amount of salt was perfect. If you're concerned about it you can decrease the amount of salt in the dressing and then add more at the end if you need it. As for the lemon juice, SO sorry about that! It was a typo in my directions and I've removed it now. Hope this helps :)
December 20, 2021
Martha
This looks lovely! Do you have a recipe for the red pepper hummus also? Thank you!
Hi Martha! I don't have a recipe for red pepper hummus on my site. I suggest taking a traditional hummus recipe and blending in roasted red pepper.
November 22, 2021
Amanda J Lehmann
I tried these and they were delicious! A bit dense but flavorful and the "buckeye" blend of peanut and chocolate was on point! Recommend!
Yay! I'm so glad you liked them! -- Elizabeth
December 6, 2021
Grace
Hi, these look amazing. I was wondering, could I used powdered peanut butter in place of creamy for the recipe? thanks
Hi Grace! There is already some powdered peanut butter in this recipe, so adding more might make the texture more gluey. Also, the real peanut butter adds some fat, which helps create flavor. That said, if you want to use powdered peanut butter, I would suggest mixing it with a high-fat liquid like coconut cream and then measuring out 2/3 cup. Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes :) -- Elizabeth
November 15, 2021
Becky
You mention using vegetable broth in your introduction but it isn’t included in the recipe
Hi Becky - thanks for pointing this out. I have removed mention of vegetable broth from this post. You do not need any vegetable broth. The mushrooms will release natural liquid which will prevent any sticking. -- Elizabeth
September 23, 2021
Tracy Henry
Hi Elizabeth, LOVE you recipes. Please keep them coming. :)I was wondering, can you share what is the vegan chocolate bar you used in this recipe?
August 28, 2021
Henry (Hank) Mader
thank you for the oil free recipe. I'm getting introduced to wild Bolete mushrooms here in Colorado, and everyone sautes Bolete's in butter or olive oil. I'm on a veggie, oil free regimen for heart health reasons. and your recipe suggestion may fill the bill. I can't wait to give it a try.
August 13, 2021
Lindsey Kuhn
This is so fun! Loving your creamy photography :)
August 13, 2021
Lindsey Kuhn
This looks incredible! So yummy and pretty photography
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