Vegan Sweeties makes the best vegan cookies I've ever tasted. Period. I suppose I could just leave it at that, but then you wouldn't get to read all about my two favorite varieties of Vegan Sweeties cookies: Russian Tea Cakes and Brownie Cookies.
What are Russian Tea Cakes? Perhaps you know these melt-in-your mouth, shortbread-like cookies by one of their many other names: Swedish Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Italian Wedding Cookies, Southern Pecan Butterballs, Snowdrops, Viennese Sugar Balls, or Snowballs. Traditionally made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chopped nuts, Vegan Sweeties Russian Tea Cakes are my newest obsession. I often find myself strolling into the kitchen for no apparent reason, other than to open the bag, stick my hand in, and grab one of these sensuously sweet treats.
A little Russian Tea Cake history: According to food historians, these confections first appeared in Russia in the 18th century as part of a tea-sharing ceremony enjoyed by Russian nobility. By the 20th century, the cookies became part of wedding and Christmas traditions, too.
Mexican Wedding cakes, which are pretty much identical to Russian Tea cakes, seem to have first appeared in the 1950s. The earliest known recipe dates back to 1951. Many other countries have adopted their own version of this rich cookie. I'm just happy that Vegan Sweeties adopted theirs in the 21st century for all of us vegans to enjoy.
Attention chocoholics: When I tasted Vegan Sweeties Brownie Cookies for the first time, I groaned aloud with pleasure. My husband ran into the kitchen, no doubt wondering who was in there with me! These cookies, which taste like a cross between a chocolate brownie and a chocolate glazed donut, ought to come with a warning label, they’re that good. But whether you think they taste like brownies or donuts, I know you'll agree that they are the most scrumptious chocolate cookies you have ever tasted (vegan or not). I love them so much that I found a truly naughty way to enjoy them. Naughty, because this recipe calls for so much sweetness, it borders on sensory overload. But some time when you've been very, very good, treat yourself to this sinfully sensational sundae.
Ingredients:
Scoop ice cream into four dessert bowls. Break cookies into bite-sized pieces and place over ice cream. Top with whipped topping, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. Indulge in pure decadence!
Vegan Sweeties also makes Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies. You can order them online at www.vegansweeties.com or if you’re lucky enough to live in the Bay area, you can visit them at: 501 Old County Rd., Ste. J, in Belmont.