Indulge Guilt-Free: Decadent Chocolate-Dipped Vegan Do-Si-Dos (Gluten-Free & Naturally Sweetened)

Discover the ultimate healthy indulgence with these homemade do-si-do cookies. Crafted with rich nut butter and wholesome almond flour, they’re naturally sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a luxurious dip in melted dark chocolate!

Hello, wonderful friends!

As we navigate through the early days of this brand new year, how has it been treating you? For me, it still feels surreal that we’re already weeks into a new decade. Time certainly flies when you’re having fun – or perhaps just enjoying a much-needed break!

I recently indulged in an extended holiday hiatus, stepping away from the kitchen and recipe development to immerse myself in quality time with loved ones and cherish moments of pure enjoyment. This marked my first significant break from consistently publishing on the blog in three years, and it was truly rejuvenating.

Beyond relaxation, I also dedicated time to strategic behind-the-scenes reorganization for Flora & Vino. One of my favorite projects involved creating an extensive spreadsheet to categorize all my exciting recipe ideas for the year ahead. And what better way to embark on a new decade than by revisiting a beloved classic? My inspiration led me straight to the delightful world of sandwich cookies.

Which brings us to these absolutely irresistible Chocolate Dipped Vegan Do-Si-Dos! These nutty, perfectly compact cookies offer a truly decadent chocolate finish, and you’ll be amazed that such a gourmet treat can be assembled with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.

Crafting the Perfect Plant-Based Do-Si-Dos: Essential Ingredients

Who else has fond memories of devouring classic Do-Si-Do Girl Scout cookies as a kid? That iconic peanut butter sandwich cookie was undeniably a childhood favorite. But what if we could recreate that beloved flavor and texture, making it even better by being entirely vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free? Yes, it’s absolutely possible, and the results are incredibly delicious!

Our journey begins with the foundation of these incredible cookies: a robust and flavorful vegan and gluten-free peanut butter cookie. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture while adhering to our health-conscious principles. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for the cookie base:

• Super-fine Almond Flour: This is our grain-free hero, providing a tender crumb and a subtle nutty flavor that perfectly complements the nut butter. It’s also naturally gluten-free.
• Cinnamon: A touch of warm cinnamon adds a cozy depth of flavor, enhancing the overall cookie experience without being overpowering.
• Baking Powder: Essential for giving our cookies a slight lift and a wonderfully chewy texture.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and elevates all the other flavors, especially the rich nut butter.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener of choice! Maple syrup provides a gentle, unrefined sweetness and helps bind the ingredients, contributing to the cookies’ moistness.
• Roasted Cashew or Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use your favorite creamy, unsweetened variety. Peanut butter delivers that classic Do-Si-Do taste, while cashew butter offers a milder, equally delightful alternative for those avoiding peanuts.
• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These add a fantastic chewiness and a wholesome, hearty texture to the cookies, making them more substantial and satisfying. Ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Baking Your Perfect Vegan Nut Butter Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful chocolate-dipped vegan do-si-dos is simpler than you might think, and the process is incredibly rewarding. While I personally opted for rich peanut butter in my batch to capture that quintessential Do-Si-Do flavor, rest assured that creamy cashew butter is an excellent substitute if you prefer a peanut-free option. Both yield wonderfully flavorful and sturdy cookies.

A key to achieving the ideal do-si-do is a fairly flat cookie, which is crucial for creating a neat sandwich. My secret to this perfectly compact shape involves a two-step flattening process. First, before they even hit the oven, gently flatten each tablespoon-sized dough ball with the palm of your hand. This initial flattening ensures an even bake. Then, for the second press, immediately after you pull the hot cookies from the oven, use the back of a spatula or a measuring cup to gently but firmly flatten them again. This technique encourages the cookies to cool into a dense, sturdy, and wonderfully compact form – exactly what you need for a robust sandwich cookie that won’t crumble when filled.

Once cooled, these wholesome peanut butter cookies will be perfectly firm and ready for their delicious filling, forming the ideal foundation for our vegan do-si-do sandwiches. This methodical approach guarantees a consistent shape and a satisfying bite every time.

The Creamy Heart: Crafting the Perfect Nut Butter Filling

No do-si-do cookie is complete without its luscious, creamy center! Our plant-based filling perfectly mimics the classic taste and texture, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. This simple yet effective filling is a harmonious blend of rich nut butter and unsweetened almond milk, delicately sweetened with pure maple syrup.

Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients for your smooth, spreadable filling:

• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Provides the liquid component, helping to achieve that desirable creamy consistency without adding unnecessary sugars.
• Roasted Cashew or Peanut Butter: The flavor backbone of our filling. Just like with the cookies, you can choose between creamy peanut butter for a traditional taste or cashew butter for a milder, equally satisfying alternative. Ensure it’s a smooth, natural variety for the best texture.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a hint of natural sweetness, complementing the nutty flavors without overpowering them. It also helps in achieving a cohesive, spreadable consistency.

Combine all these ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, lump-free, and beautifully spreadable, with just the right amount of sweetness. The beauty of this filling is its adaptability: if you prefer a thinner, more pourable spread, gradually add a little more almond milk until your desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if you find it too thin, incorporate a bit more nut butter to thicken it up to your liking.

Once your filling is perfected, generously spread a thick, even layer onto the flat, brown underside of half of your cooled cookies. Then, gently place another cookie on top, pressing down just enough to create a delightful sandwich. The thick layer of filling is crucial for that authentic, satisfying do-si-do experience!

The Decadent Finale: Dipping Your Do-Si-Dos in Chocolate

Just when you thought these vegan gluten-free do-si-dos couldn’t get any better, we elevate them to a whole new level of decadence: a rich, dark chocolate coating! Because truly, what could possibly enhance an already perfect nutty, plant-based sandwich cookie? A generous dip in glorious chocolate, of course!

For this irresistible finish, I chose Hu Kitchen’s Salty Dark Chocolate. Its high-quality, clean ingredients and perfectly balanced salty-sweet profile make it an ideal complement to the nutty cookies. The beauty of using a good quality chocolate bar is its simplicity – it’s often a single-ingredient solution for a luxurious, melty finish that adds both visual appeal and an incredible flavor boost to every bite.

To prepare your chocolate dip, gently melt the dark chocolate on the stovetop over low heat. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent scorching, ensuring a smooth, glossy consistency. Once fully melted, transfer the chocolate into a small, heat-safe bowl. This makes the dipping process much easier and cleaner. Carefully hold each assembled sandwich cookie and dip it halfway (or fully, if you prefer!) into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

For the quickest setting and best results, I highly recommend transferring your chocolate-dipped vegan do-si-dos to the refrigerator or even the freezer. Just 10-15 minutes in the cold will help the chocolate firm up beautifully, creating a satisfying snap when you bite into these delightful treats. This final step transforms a delicious cookie into an extraordinary, bakery-worthy dessert.

Serving & Storing Your Homemade Vegan Do-Si-Dos

These Chocolate Dipped Vegan Do-Si-Dos are more than just a dessert; they’re a versatile treat perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re seeking a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, a satisfying snack, or a sweet ending to a meal, these cookies are designed to hit the spot whenever that cookie sandwich craving strikes. They pair wonderfully with a tall, frosty glass of unsweetened almond milk for a classic combination, or elevate your tea or coffee break with their rich flavors.

While the chocolate dip adds an undeniable layer of indulgence, feel free to customize! If you prefer a simpler, un-dipped cookie, you can absolutely stop after assembling the peanut butter sandwich cookies. They are equally delicious on their own, offering a pure, wholesome nut butter experience that’s still entirely vegan and gluten-free.

Don’t let any leftover peanut butter filling go to waste! This creamy, naturally sweetened spread is incredibly versatile. Beyond filling cookies, it makes a fantastic topping for morning toast, a delectable swirl in your oatmeal, a delightful spread for pancakes or waffles, or even a dreamy addition to a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. Its rich flavor can enhance so many other dishes!

For optimal freshness and to enjoy these treats for longer, store your finished cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer-term enjoyment, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Consider baking a larger batch and freezing them, either dipped or undipped, for those moments when a sudden craving hits. Simply thaw at room temperature for a few minutes or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a delightful, chewy treat.

However you choose to enjoy them, these homemade Chocolate Dipped Vegan Do-Si-Dos are sure to become a new favorite in your healthy dessert repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite!

More Vegan Girl Scout Cookie-Inspired Delights

• Almond Butter Tagalong Cookies

• Vegan Toasted Coconut Samoas

I Want to Hear From You

If you make this Chocolate Dipped Vegan Do-Si-Dos recipe, let me know!

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review so I can use your feedback to create more yums.

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XO Lauren

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