Another treat idea for end of school year parties….

I have a deep affection for Little Debbie’s snacks…all of them. There’s not one snack cake I don’t love. One day last year my son pointed out those cute little boxes of goodness at the grocery store and asked if he could try them. At first my heart melted because for one, if he didn’t have food allergies I would have screamed OF COURSE! But I held myself back, checked the label, and said nope, this one isn’t safe, but we’ll figure something out together that tastes even better.

And so I did, and the end result is this: the Dairy, Egg and Nut Free Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies. They remind me so much of the taste and texture of a Little Debbie treat, and so John was able to have his “Little Debbie” moment too. These little cookies are somewhat delicate because of its chewy texture so store them in between squares of parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

As the unofficial treat mom for my children’s class and sports parties, I like to make  a fun and colorful platter of these cookies, along with my chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip brownies and snickeroos. There’s literally something for every-one’s tastes. I also like to include a pretty tray of fruit kabobs, because kabobs are way more fun to eat then a little bowl of fruit. Whether or not you are making treats this week, give the Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies a try; I know you and your kiddos will love them.

Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies

Yield: 2 dozen cookies

• 2/3 cup dairy-free margarine
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2/3 cup dairy-free buttermilk (1 T. vinegar mixed with 1 cup Soy or Rice Milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine margarine, sugar, applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla. In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt with a wire whisk. Add to margarine mixture, and mix on low for about 1 minute to combine. Increase speed to medium high, and beat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips.

Preheat oven to 400ºF, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scooper to place batter onto baking sheet. Bake 7 to 10 minutes, or until set. Cool completely on baking sheet.