Gluten Free Basil Cookies

Posted byblackbirdsbackyardPosted inFledglings (for kids), Food Recipes
tea time

There is no end to the herbs that can be added to baked goods. Lavender, thyme, calendula, chamomile-just to name a few. I even saw a gorgeous emerald green cake made from nettles. We had two feet of unexpected snow and I needed a project to keep the girls busy. I remembered seeing a very appealing recipe in one of my books for cookies made with basil. I happened to have some fresh basil from the grocery store and some leftover basil sugar. Basil sugar is made by mixing granulated sugar and a small amount of fresh basil in a food processor. It stores for months and is really good on ice cream . You can also make violet or lavender sugar the same way. The following recipe is so kid friendly that they can do most of it themselves until the cookies need to go into the oven. I also think the surprise factor is fun as we typically associate basil with things like pasta or pizza. We liked this treat quickly dipped in hot milk or tea on a cold day.

Basil Cookies

Preheat oven to 350

In a large bowl cream together 7 TBSP of butter or butter substitute and 1/4 cup of sugar.

Add in 1 cup of buckwheat flour, 1/4 cup of ground almond flour, and 2 large TBSP of finely chopped basil. Start to knead with your hands.

Add in 1 TBSP of milk or dairy substitute.

Knead and role the dough into a two inch cylinder.

Cut the role into slices 1cm thick.

Place slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment..

Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove from cookie sheet, sprinkle with the basil sugar and cool on a wire rack.

Ocimum basilicum

Basil is a member of the mint family. Therefore it has a strong pleasant smell, a square stem, and small irregular flowers that grow on a spike. A favorite with bumble and native bees. When used in food it is thought to stimulate digestion, warm the body, increase circulation, clear damp and calm the stomach. In healing it might be used to treat bronchitis, colds, fevers, stress, diabetes, nausea, gas, headaches, diarrhea, pain, and breastfeeding issues.

Externally it can be used to treat acne, insect bites, eye strain, and fungal infections.

Have you ever made a sweet baked good using an unusual ingredient?

Published by blackbirdsbackyard

My backyard botanical pharmacy is located in Boulder Colorado. I began studying herbal medicinewhen I was 12 years old. In college I studied subjects like anthropology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, After graduation I decided to go to midwifery school. I attended births and had a small practice until I retired early in order to be a mother full time. I have always had an herb garden, gathered plants and made my own healing formulas with plants. Over the last 30 years there have been many teachers and I have attended dozens of workshops. I am one of those people who is always reading, studying and learning. In 2019 I was called to practice as an herbalist professionally, using "plant spirit medicine" and bio-energetic ( 5 element)healing techniques. I feel that there is a big need in the community for my skills and talents. I hope to inspire others to start their own backyard pharmacies as a solution to species extinction and the healthcare crisis in America. Healing has also become a spiritual practice and way for me to feel balanced and connected with nature. I consult with clients in person, teach classes (adults and kids), give tours of my garden and offer apprenticeships. Health, joy, meaning, and support are everyone's birthright.

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