Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Pinterest Twitter Instagram RSS Facebook
    Buy GO DAIRY FREE and EAT DAIRY FREE today!
    Go Dairy Free
    • Need to Know
      • Newbies Start Here!
      • Take the Challenge!
      • Dairy-Free FAQs
      • Latest News
      • Milk Allergies
      • Lactose Intolerance
      • Other Health Issues
      • Testimonials
      • Calcium Guide
      • Holidays & More
      • Best Books
      • The Community
    • Recipes
      • Recipes by Category
        • Alisa’s Recipes
        • Sarah’s Recipes
        • Appetizers
        • Beverages
        • Bread
        • Breakfast
        • Cheese Substitutes
        • Condiments & Dressings
        • Cream Substitutes
        • Desserts
        • Entrees
        • Kids Can Cook
        • Milk Substitutes
        • Pasta
        • Salad
        • Sandwiches
        • Sauces
        • Sides
        • Snacks
        • Soup
      • Full Dairy-Free Recipe Index
      • Gluten-Free Recipe Index
      • Vegan Recipe Index
    • Reviews
      • Dairy Substitutes
        • Butter
        • Cheese
        • Cream
        • Creamer
        • Dessert Toppings
        • Ice Cream
        • Ice Cream Novelties
        • Milk
        • Yogurt
        • More Kitchen Essentials
      • Sweets & Snacks
        • Protein Shakes
        • More Creamy Beverages
        • Snack & Protein Bars
        • More Snacks
        • Chocolate
        • Cookie Dough
        • Cookies & Brownies
        • Pies & Cakes
        • Pudding & Mousse
        • More Sweet Treats
      • Meal Makers
        • Baking Mixes
        • Bread Products
        • Breakfast Pastries
        • Cereal & Granola
        • Cheesy Pasta & Rice
        • Frozen Pizza
        • More Entrees
        • Dip and Spreads
        • Salad Dressing
        • Sauces
      • All Product Reviews
        • New Product Reviews!
        • Browse by Product Type
        • Full Review Index
        • Gluten-Free Review Index
        • Vegan Review Index
    • Grocery Guide
      • Alisa’s Dairy-Free Kitchen
      • Brands We Love
      • Dairy Substitutes
      • Dairy Ingredient List
      • Understanding Food Labels
      • No Dairy Product Lists
      • Ordering Specialty Foods
      • Best Grocery Stores
    • Eating Out
      • Fast Food Listings
      • Recommended Restaurants
    • My Books!
      • Go Dairy Free 2nd Edition (best seller!)
      • Eat Dairy Free 1st Edition (full color!)
      • eBooks & Printables
      • Book Supplements & Resources
    • About Us
      • Meet Us
      • Contact Us
      • Join Us
      • Work With Us
    Go Dairy Free
    You are at:Home»Food and Grocery»10 Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies: Recipes & Easy Ideas for All

    10 Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies: Recipes & Easy Ideas for All

    35
    By Alisa Fleming on May 14, 2018 Food and Grocery, In The News, News, Popular Food Guides

    Before I get to those delicious ideas, we have a crunchy cookies sale to share! In honor of Allergy Awareness Month, Enjoy Life Foods is offering an exclusive discount to Go Dairy Free viewers through June 8th. Get 15% off ALL Enjoy Life snacks, treats, and chocolate when you use the promotional code ENJOYGDF at shop.enjoylifefoods.com.

    A funny thing. I used to swear off crunchy cookies. I was a soft, chewy cookie loyalist, through and through. But something changed a few years back. Some might say my palate “grew up,” but I think it was my brain that finally matured. A stubborn mental block about “what cookies should be” shattered when I discovered the versatility of crunchy cookies – especially for special diets.

    10 Delicious Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies (Recipes and Ideas: Gluten-free, Vegan and Allergy-friendly)

    10 Reasons Why Crunchy Cookies Are Awesome

    My crunchy cookies of choice are Enjoy Life Foods, because they come in just the right flavors, are easy to find in stores, they taste deliciously “normal,” and they fit almost every dietary need. They’re non-GMO verified and made in their gluten-free, allergy-friendly facility. They’re also vegan, with the exception of the grahams, which contain a touch of honey. (Tip: swap in the Sugar Crisps to make any of the Graham ideas below vegan.) Over the years, these crunchy cookies have helped me make dozens of recipes and quick treats that everyone can enjoy, including the following.

    Crumb Pie Crust

    Crushed crunchy cookies made a wonderful crumb crust. And unlike graham cracker crusts, you don’t have to add any sugar. Just grind those cookies up, smash in a little allergy-friendly shortening or buttery spread until clumps form, and press it into your pie pan. Bake or chill the crust to set it. If you want my favorite quick recipe, it’s in Go Dairy Free, 2nd Edition. I used the Vanilla Honey Graham Coookies in the picture below, but I often use the Double Chocolate Cookies to make chocolate crumb crusts.

    10 Delicious Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies (Recipes and Ideas: Gluten-free, Vegan and Allergy-friendly)

    Pudding Parfaits

    Pudding and crunchy cookies go together like peas and carrots. The Double Chocolate Cookies make the perfect “dirt” on these healthier, dairy-free dirt pudding cups. But for my banana cream pie parfaits I use those Vanilla Honey Graham Cookies.

    Dairy-Free Dirt Pudding Cups - 10 minute, make-ahead treat! (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free)

    Upgraded S’mores

    Why settle for simple grahams when you can make a crunchy cookie s’mores! I went traditional with the Vanilla Honey Graham Cookies. But it’s fun to put out allergy-friendly chocolate bars and an assortment of Double Chocolate, Sugar Crisp, Vanilla Honey Graham, and Chocolate Chip to let each person pick their favorite. They all go well with marshmallows and allergy-friendly chocolate! No campfire? Cheat like we do. Heat these treats in the microwave (roughly 20 to 30 seconds) for a fast fix that’s almost too easy.

    10 Delicious Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies (Recipes and Ideas: Gluten-free, Vegan and Allergy-friendly)

    Ice Cream Bon Bons

    Crunchy cookies are problem solvers. When I decided to make homemade dairy-free ice cream bon bons, I ran into a little problem. Those little scoops of ice cream don’t like to hold their shape when you’re attempting to dunk them. And they tend to melt into the chocolate. So I rolled them in crushed crunchy cookie crumbs and re-froze them. With a firm exterior, they were easy to dunk and refreeze without allowing any creamy goodness to escape. Not to mention, the crunchy cookie layer is delicious!

    Cookies 'n Ice Cream Bon Bons Recipe - easy, fun, delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan & allergy-friendly!

    Better-Than-Oreo Swap

    When I made my allergy-friendly cookies ‘n cream ice cream recipe, it was brought to my attention that gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free sandwich cream cookies are hard to find. Most contain at least a wee bit of soy. So I whipped up a top allergen-free solution with Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Cookies and a quick filling.

    Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Sandwich Cream Cookies

    Sift 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Add 1/3 cup allergy-friendly shortening (I use sustainable palm shortening), 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla flavoring, and a pinch of salt. Blend on low with a hand mixer until combined into crumbs. Add 1 tablespoon water, or as needed, until clumps form and the mixture comes together when you press it with your hands. Pinch off 3/4-inch pieces (or larger!) and roll into balls. Gently press a ball evenly onto the bottom side of one chocolate cookie. Top with a second cookie, right side up, and very gently press to stick. This should make about 12 to 15 sandwich cookies, so get two boxes. And a warning: these are addictive!

    10 Delicious Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies (Recipes and Ideas: Gluten-free, Vegan and Allergy-friendly)

    Ice Cream Sandwiches

    I assumed that soft cookies would work best for making dairy-free ice cream sandwiches. But after several tests, I discovered that crunchy cookies came out on top! They work with all types of ice cream sandwiched in the middle, but I couldn’t resist going S’mores with one recipe. It includes a homemade, allergy-friendly marshmallow ice cream recipe, too.

    S'more Ice Cream Sandwiches - complete with homemade dairy-free marshmallow ice cream. The recipe is even gluten-free, top food allergy-friendly and vegan optional.

    Sweet Dippers

    Crunchy cookies are like the sweet version of chips when it comes to snack time dips. I love dunking them in some whipped seed butter for a hearty bite. Or I go all out withe this quick allergy-friendly cheesecake dip.

    Dairy-Free Cheesecake Dip Recipe - a 10 minute treat! (vegan, gluten-free and top allergen-free)

    Easy Party Treats

    Crunchy cookies are perfect for decorating. You can simply coat them in chocolate, or get a little more creative for celebrations. I’m not a pastry artist, but even I was able to whip up these cute mummy cookies last Halloween  thanks to the flat, sturdy cookie base.

    Mummy Cookies Recipe - Super Easy! Made dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan & allergy-friendly

    Icebox Cake Jars

    I discovered something so cool last summer. Crunchy cookies fit perfectly into many single-serve jars. You can make our icebox cakes recipe into personal desserts by layering dairy-free sweet cream, fruit, a cookie, and repeat. If the cookies are a little too big for your jars, just trim them around with kitchen shears to fit. Any leftover trimmings can be crumbled and sprinkled on top.

    Dairy-free Icebox Cake Jars! Recipe includes Full Cake instructions & Red, White & Blueberry option

    Poolside Snackers

    I don’t know about you, but swimming wears me out! So if I plan on lounging for long, I bring a bottle of water and some carbs. Mini Cookies are a nice nosh with just the right amount of energy and they serve as a sweet reward for all those laps. They’re also a great “safe” snack for packing along to amusement parks and on other outdoor adventures.

    10 Delicious Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies (Recipes and Ideas: Gluten-free, Vegan and Allergy-friendly)

    It’s #Tealspotting Time!

    You can find Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies in their new teal packaging, a colorful ode to the food allergy community. But before you head to the store, I’ve got some tasty deals to share:

    • Get 15% Off all Enjoy Life Products between now and June 8, 2018. Just shop on their website and use the following Promotional Code at checkout: ENJOYGDF
    • Go #TealSpotting for a chance to win a free product coupon. Snap a photo of any Enjoy Life product in its new teal packaging on the shelf, post it to Instagram or Twitter, tag @enjoylifefoods and the retailer, and use the hashtag #tealspotting.

    10 Delicious Ways to Love Crunchy Cookies (Recipes and Ideas: Gluten-free, Vegan and Allergy-friendly)This post is sponsored by Enjoy Life, but the stories, opinions, ideas, photos, and recipes are all my own. They asked me to share the Enjoy Life products that have had the biggest influence on my life, and it was their crunchy cookies, hands down. They’re not only delicious, but they’ve also allowed me to make dozens of allergy-friendly recipes that (almost) everyone can enjoy.

    Alisa Fleming
    • Website

    Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

    Related Posts

    Dairy-Free Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe - creamy, cheesy, rich, and fulfilling. Optionally gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. Plant-based nd vegan-friendly.

    Dairy-Free Stuffed Mushrooms with Perfect Cheesy Creamy Flavor

    Pizza Pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Vegan Options

    Pizza Pizza has the Biggest Dairy-Free & Vegan Menus Around

    Over 50 Dairy-Free Valentine's Day Treats you can Buy at the Store with Allergen Notes and Vegan Options!

    50 Dairy-Free Valentine’s Day Treats you can Buy at the Store

    35 Comments

    1. Pingback: Vegan Cookies 'n Cream Muffin-Cakes Recipe (aka Fancy Muffins)

    2. Linda from Veganosity on May 22, 2018 9:24 am

      OMG, I’m drooling! Those sandwich cookies look amazing. I love crunchy cookies just as much as I love chewy cookies. I can’t pick a side. LOL!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 22, 2018 10:57 am

        It’s good to be fair 🙂

        Reply
    3. Trinity Bourne on May 21, 2018 11:35 am

      Gosh what a load of amazing ideas! The only problem is knowing which to choose first haha!

      Reply
    4. Kaila (The Wanderlust Celiac) on May 16, 2018 6:42 am

      Yum! I love these ideas. Sometimes I mash up crunchy cookies and mix them into ice cream- Cold Stone style. (Can also be done with DF ice cream!) It’s a nice way to make gluten free cookie flavored ice-cream!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:00 am

        Love that idea! Thanks Kaila.

        Reply
    5. Lorie on May 16, 2018 6:11 am

      Hmmm is it possible to make every one of these in a week?? Gonna need them all

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:00 am

        I think yes. Definitely.

        Reply
    6. Kortney on May 16, 2018 4:00 am

      Wow I never realised how versatile Crunchy cookies are! Thos ice cream bites look right up my alley!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:01 am

        Oh yes, they are mighty in the kitchen.

        Reply
    7. Hedi on May 16, 2018 3:45 am

      I am definitively crunchy girl, so these are my type of cookies. Great little discount too, thank you!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:01 am

        Oh lovely!

        Reply
    8. Kristina on May 15, 2018 4:58 pm

      I LOVE crunchy cookies, and the Enjoy Life ones are by far my favorite. I want to make ALL of these ideas – which to try first?? (I have used these cookies for s’mores… YUM.)

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:01 am

        Well which to try 2nd then … I think the bon bons. Yes, definitely the bon bons.

        Reply
    9. Sharon @ What The Fork on May 15, 2018 4:32 pm

      I’ll take one of each – they all look so good!

      Reply
    10. Kristen Wood on May 15, 2018 3:13 pm

      Wow! I love all the ideas you presented here. I would have never thought to have used crunchy cookies in these ways. I can’t wait to try them out!!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:02 am

        And there are probably so many other ideas too!

        Reply
    11. Nicole Dawson on May 15, 2018 1:15 pm

      I’m so excited to have a few more ideas on how to use my cookies. We’ve done a few of those, but I really like how you coated the bon bons with them before dipping in chocolate.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:02 am

        I was sure you had covered a bunch of these Nicole – and you probably have more ideas!

        Reply
    12. Jules Shepard on May 15, 2018 11:40 am

      What great ideas! Super cute!

      Reply
    13. Jenn on May 15, 2018 10:21 am

      I LOVE crunchy cookies!! And I love Enjoy Life cookies! I’m totally trying some (Most. Ok, probably ALL) of these ideas!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 20, 2018 11:03 am

        They are the best! I hope you get the chance to make ALL of them Jenn 🙂

        Reply
    14. Dianne on May 15, 2018 6:43 am

      I didn’t realize that Enjoy Life makes cookies! I know them for their chocolate chips. I love that there are so many ways to enjoy them other than just eating them straight out of the package.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 15, 2018 8:55 am

        They do! Their soft ones are actually pretty darn awesome, too, and also vegan. Definitely recommend them all!

        Reply
    15. Cadry on May 14, 2018 6:54 pm

      I tend to be a chewy cookie person, but you’ve made an excellent case for crunchy cookies! What a great idea to use them as pie crusts or “dirt” on pudding. So many tempting options!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 15, 2018 8:55 am

        I recommend giving crunchy a chance Cadry 🙂

        Reply
    16. Kelly on May 14, 2018 5:49 pm

      What a great idea, and huge time saver to use these cookies. And thanks for the discount. Much appreciated!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 15, 2018 8:56 am

        You’re welcome!

        Reply
    17. Sarah @ The Fit Cookie on May 14, 2018 2:13 pm

      I love these ideas for crunchy cookies, we’re big fans of Enjoy Life products! So many delicious ideas to choose from

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 14, 2018 2:37 pm

        Honestly, I don’t know what I would do if that brand hadn’t come along!! They open up so many options for allergy-friendly goodies and snacks.

        Reply
    18. Chrystal Carver on May 14, 2018 12:54 pm

      I love all these ideas for how to use allergy-friendly cookies! That icebox cake in a jar is calling my name.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 14, 2018 2:36 pm

        Aren’t those fun? A product of one of my rare “clever” moments 🙂

        Reply
    19. jenna urben on May 14, 2018 10:28 am

      These are such great ideas!! I want to try every single recipe

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on May 14, 2018 12:06 pm

        I hope you get the chance to try at least some of them Jenna!

        Reply
    20. Pingback: Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe (Dairy-Free & Coconut-Free!)

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Go Dairy Free - The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance and Casein-Free Living
    Dairy-Free Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe that's almost too Good to be True! Served with new Enjoy Life Lentil Chip flavors. All naturally vegan, gluten-free, top allergen-free, nutritious, and delicious.

    Caramelized Onion Dip for Your Favorite New Dairy-Free Chips

    Dairy-Free Queso Recipe that's Kindly Allergy-Friendly and Truly Plant-Based - nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, sesame-free, vegan, and even oil-free. From Dreena's Kind Kitchen Cookbook

    Dairy-Free Queso that’s Kindly Nut-Free and Truly Plant-Based

    Enjoy Life FoodsFames Chocolates. From Brooklyn with loveEat dairy free bookChocolate Emporium
    Go Dairy Free is the leading website for information on the dairy-free diet. We share dairy-free recipes, product reviews, news, recommendations and health guides to aide those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance or a general need or desire to live without dairy. Dairy-free does include milk-free, lactose-free, casein-free and whey-free, too! We also offer ample resources for gluten-free, soy-free, food allergy, vegan and paleo diets. Please note that ingredients, processes and products are subject to change by a manufacturer at any time. All foods and products should be considered at risk for cross-contamination with milk and other allergens. Always contact the manufacturer prior to consumption. Disclaimer - All Rights Reserved - Privacy Policy Go Dairy Free © 2005-2022 Fleming Marrs Inc.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.