Coffee, cocoa, hot tea, non-dairy milk. Give your cold weather drink of choice a partner. It's that time of year again-- chocolate chip cookie time. Increasingly, treats like these are difficult to decide on because of dietary choices and increasing food allergies, particularly dairy aversions and intolerances. Have no fear! After some time experimenting with recipes, I recently created this one for the yummiest chocolate chip cookies ever.  You can't go wrong with chocolate chip cookies. They're classic, cozy, and perfect for a rainy or snowy day. And best of all,  these cookies are vegan! No one will know that you didn't use any animal products in the creation of this cruelty-free cookie. I have to share it because everyone will love them.

Bring these to a party, gathering, or the office,  and you'll appear to be the total vegan rock star that you are. Additionally awesome, the ingredients are short, simple, and sweet, and won't break the bank or force you to go on one of those lengthy obscure ingredient hunts at the grocery store. I mean, how many times you have tracked down an amazing-seeming vegan cookie recipe, only to find that in order to make that particular cookie, you have to head to the market for strange spices and previously unknown, difficult to pronounce baking supplies that you aren't sure to use again in the near future? Not with these bad boys. Applesauce acts as one of the sweetener here, reducing your reliance on processed sugars, and adding to the moist, wholesome nature of this quintessentially American happy treat. Not to mention, vegan chocolate chips are practically a dime a dozen these days, easy to find at any co-op, natural foods market, online, or at Whole Foods.  So, come on. What are you waiting for? Spread a little love today with chocolate chip greatness. Strap on an apron and bake up a batch today.

In a large mixing bowl, MIX TOGETHER:

• 1/2 cup of Earth Balance butter
• 1/8 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar

ADD:

• 1/4 cup of applesauce
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• 1 1/8 cup of flour
• 1/4 tsp of baking soda
• 1/4 tsp of salt 
• 1/2 to 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips

Roll batter into little balls about one inch thick and lay on baking sheet. You can also flatter them a bit if you like. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool for five minutes and BAM – eat up!

*Image courtesy Flickr creative commons.