Gluten Free Sesame and Anise Cookies

Sugar is such a popular topic, especially during the holidays. In fact, it is safe to say that almost every day in December a client will ask for a “healthy” dessert recipes.

Healthy, in my book anyway, means high quality fat, unrefined sweeteners, and whole grain (or no grain) flours. Here is a list for you to use to experiment with your holiday baking projects.

Fats: Use organic butter or extra virgin coconut oil rather than refined vegetable oils

Sweeteners: Substitute honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup or unrefined/unbleached cane sugar for white and brown sugar

Flours: Use whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour instead of enriched white flour

The below recipe for sesame and anise cookies is insanely good. They are reminiscent of halvah, a rich Middle Eastern sesame confection that my father often brought home. The star anise was a last minute addition and I think it gives a nice warming sensation to the cookies.

The sesame cookie dough has a similar texture to peanut butter cookie dough. Though it may seem dry, it is not. That is how it is supposed to be. I adapted this recipe from the blog Elana's Pantry, which is a great resource for gluten-free goodies.

Gluten Free Sesame and Anise Cookies

Makes 24 cookies

2 1/2 cup almond flour

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground star anise

1/2 cup maple syrup

2/3 cup roasted organic tahini (Sesame seed paste. I used Arrowhead Mills.)

1 tablespoon organic butter (You can also use coconut oil here to make the cookies vegan.)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds, in a small bowl

In a large mixing bowl combine the almond flour, sea salt, baking soda and star anise. In a smaller bowl mix together the maple syrup, tahini, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet and combine thoroughly. Make 1 inch balls with the dough and roll each in the sesame seeds. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and flatten a bit. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are golden. Cool and enjoy!