At one point, I wanted to be a teacher. And then lawyer seemed like the best fit. But that didn’t held the number 1 position for too long.
Eventually, after the mandatory 12 years of public education — off to college I go, this time, I thought I finally figured out what I’m going to be or do when I graduate.
Even computer science didn’t appeal for too long.
Worked and completed college, but didn’t felt content. Not one bit. Still haven’t figured out what would truly give me job satisfaction. Continued job search anyways and landed a job in the Management Accounting field — Cash Forecasting, to be exact. That job was beyond my imagination. For someone who despised numbers and completed college degree with no traces of majoring in Finance — I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, while it lasted.
And finally, it was time for me to pursue my dream for an MBA degree. Within a few months of enrollment, got hitched and migrated to the States.
Left the corporate world, family, aspirations and I still haven’t figured out what I truly wanted to be. For now, I’m just enjoying this ride with a few cookies to boot!
Makes 12 extra large cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 zucchini (almost 1 cup), finely grated
- 1 cup coarsely ground coconut powder
- 1.5 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 cup cacao nibs
- 1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a standmixer fitted with paddle, add coconut oil, granulated and light brown sugar. Cream on medium speed, until fluffy for about 1 minute. With the mixer on low, gently stream in vanilla extract and egg. Mix on low just to combine.
- Add grated zucchini and mix until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift whole wheat pastry flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in coconut powder. With the mixer on low, add sifted ingredients, cacao nibs and hazelnuts. Stir until just combined. Do not over-mix cookie dough.
- Remove dough bowl from mixer.
- Scoop cookie dough with a large ice cream scoop onto baking sheets, leaving enough room between scoops. Using the back of a measuring cup, gently press down onto cookie dough to form a disk.
- Bake cookies between 13 to 15 minutes. Remove cookies from oven to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, before cooling it off completely on cooling racks.
- Enjoy cookies with a cold glass of milk!
Whatever your goals and aspirations may be, always remember one thing: bring cookies on the journey.
Did you became what you’ve inspired to be, during childhood? Or is it otherwise? Spill the beans 😀
Comments on this entry are closed.
What appetizing & fabulous cookies you created here! Must make them because you have used cacao nibs in them!
What a lot of different jobs you did, sweety! Xxx I never eaten cookies before with milk. Is that something typical American?
I Will try them with home-made almond or cashew milk though!
Sophie33 recently posted..Sophie’s Vegan & Gluten-Free granola! A tasty Food gift!
I made them’ with home-made cashew milk & they were giant tasty cookies. Xxxx
Sophie33 recently posted..Vegan gingery mixed berry crumble!
Sophie — yay!! so glad you love this recipe!! its one of my favorite cookie recipes, ever. having cookies with cold milk is something very common in the States 🙂
Fabulous cookies! I love that last picture. 🙂
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — thank you so much, my sweet friend 🙂
What a different combination of flavors, Kiran! The cookies look delicious, and the last picture of you with the cookies, quite lovely!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You recently posted..Brazilian Cheese Rolls with Kalamata, Basil, and Feta…Get Yours!
Denise — awww, thanks so much! a perfect way to sneak in veggies 🙂
adorable pictures..well while growing up, I was always told to do something business related as everyone in family is business oriented..however, I took a completely different route and joined health care and wouldn’t change a thing now 🙂
dixya| food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Fitness Friday : Q & A
Dixya — good for you, my friend 🙂
It feels good to know I’m not the only one that has many aspirations and things to figure out… Thanks for sharing this with me (I should say WITH US but, you know, your writing is so beautifully intimate). Great pics, as usual. But the last one… well, that one is the coolest!
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ recently posted..My 5-Minute Healthy Breakfast
Daniela — aww, thanks so much my sweet friend. you and every one else are definitely a huge source of my inspiration 🙂
The cookies look fantastic. I really must experiment more with zucchini! I am delighted to learn I’m not the only one who still doesn’t know who she will be when she grows up 😉
Sissi — oh yes! i’m glad its an ongoing process of discovery for many 🙂
These cookies are interesting and beautiful, love cocoa nibs.
A fun journey you are in my dear, enjoy every bit of it.
I wanted to be a cop..I still want to, let’s see what happens:)..
Ash — thanks my dear, and I hope you get to be a cop! that’s very interesting and amazing 🙂
MBA! Great!
Marta — 😀
Definitely cookies make the journey more fun 🙂
Nik@ABrownTable recently posted..lentil and pumpkin shami kebab
Nik — always 😀
Oh yes, cookies are a must for all of life’s journeys. Love the cacao nibs (I need to track some down!).
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..chocolate chip cinnamon cake
Laura — oh yes!
Fabulous looking cookies. I really loved that last snap of you enjoying that box of cookies. Looks tempting!
Mallika recently posted..Velvet Beet Cake
Mallika — thank you so much 😀
The last photo is my favourite one. Still trying to figure out what I wanna be;-) Enjoying the journey along the way.
Wizzy recently posted..This is why I am not a vegetarian.
Wizzy — thanks and good for you 🙂
I’m a comp sci major like every other desi. Never really thought about it, but I took a course in 11th grade and did well in it, and I was like, I can do this. I didn’t realize it was a good major where I can get a job fairly quickly, so it worked out.
Yes, always need cookies for the journey.
honeywhatscooking recently posted..Eating Paros | Greece
Nisha — glad it worked out for you!
I knew there was something I liked about you – I’m an MBAer myself. I did it the “old fashioned” way – quit everything I was doing and went off to school full-time. It was a great investment of time. I think I could be a professional student. But, nah, I think now I’d rather just make cookies. And these are high on my list. Wow – very interesting ingredients. Can’t wait to try them!
Marly recently posted..Vegan Hotdog Buns
Marly — yay for fellow MBAers who loves making cookies 😀
Totally agree – cookies are the answer to everything!
Laura @ Family Spice recently posted..How to Bake with Olive Oil
Laura — 😀
Cookies are an absolute necessary for any journey, especially these! Beautiful Kiran!
Maria | Pink Patisserie recently posted..Giveaway Winner Announcement and Delicious French Onion Soup
Maria — thanks, sweetie 🙂
These look amazing Kiran! I loved hearing your life story 🙂 Good advice, to always have cookies!
xx
gemma
Gemma @andgeesaid recently posted..Lake Como Photo Diary. Part I.
Gemma — haha, thanks my dear 🙂
A cool picture of you eating cookie. From as long as I remember, I always knew I wanted to be an engineer and never a doctor 🙂 Thanks for sharing your journey.
Lail | With A Spin recently posted..Grilled Fruit Salad with Rosemary Infused Honey Syrup
Lail — thank you so much! good that you’ve found your calling 🙂
Gorgeous cookies Kiran! I love the ingredient list. They look really dele kicks, remind me of these fruit cookies I used to eat back in England.
I had big plans as a young adult, but my parents had other ones for me. I’m not doing what I had imagined, but that’s life.
Nazneen
Coffee and Crumpets recently posted..Harissa | A Most Versatile Hot Sauce
Nazneen — thank you so much! i hope you’d be able to pursue what your heart desires 🙂
My new journey cookies! The zucchini ingredient is intriguing!!
Elvira — haha! love the term, “journey cookies!” 🙂
I love the look of these cookies!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted..Pastel De Tres Leches | Three Milk Cake Recipe
Tandy — thanks! you’ll love the flavors too, I promise 😉
Yes, cookies are great for any time. These look so inviting with the combo of flavours, Kiran.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Amaranth Soya Protein Biscotti (Gluten Free and Grain Free)
Angie — thanks, friend 🙂
I really love all your creative recipes
Cquek — awww, thanks so much friend 🙂
What a healthy cookie! And I couldn’t agree more with you. Cookies are one of life’s great comforts, especially straight out of the oven.
Your career journey is so varied! I’ve been in advertising now for so long I am not quite sure it’s still my thing, but I’ve been doing it for so long I’m not sure what I would want to do if I wasn’t…luckily I still wake up (most) days with a smile on my face 🙂
Carolyn Chan recently posted..Smoked Bacon Soup with Kale and Quinoea
Carolyn — thanks friend! i’m so glad you are so passionate about advertising 🙂
Hi Kiran, I’ll bet your cookies have an amazing texture between the cocoa nibs, the hazelnut, and the coconut powder. And what a good place to tuck away a little of the overabundant zucchini of the season. I have a degree in English, was once a midwife, and spent many years homeschooling my children. We’ll see what the next chapter of life brings for me.
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..Almond Flour Fig Cake
Hi Mary — you are one adventurous mama! Keep us posted 🙂
Very creative and unique recipe. Who would have thought that cookies could be so healthy & yum!
Tanvi@SinfullySpicy recently posted..Dum Aloo – Slow Cooked Spiced Potatoes
Tanvi — thanks sweetie 🙂
My MBA is next on the list!
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Paleo Banana-Walnut Bread
Matt — oh yes!!
Cookies are fabulous…yes,cookies are must for all journey…nice picture of you eating cookies..
Gayathri Ramanan recently posted..ROOMALI ROTI RECIPE / QUICK RUMALI ROTI
Gayathri — thank you so much, friend 🙂
I’ve been seeing a lot of baking recipes with coconut oil. Funny, I have it but never used it. I really need to get on the bandwagon. Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe with us Kiran. Looks gorgeous and delicious!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted..Garlic Chipotle Muffins with Scallions Cheddar & Bacon
Anne — thank you! and try baking with coconut oil. it’s so delicious 🙂
Delicious! I just made a batch of zucchini chocolate chip cookies a few weeks ago so we’re on the same cooking snacking page here. Yours look amazing, loving that coconut!
Pamela — thank you! zucchini’s are so tasty in desserts 😀
I never knew what I wanted to be when I was growing up either. I got lucky – I kind of stumbled into book publishing, which I did for decades. Good times, although publishing has changed a lot and isn’t much fun at the moment (I started freelancing at just the right time!). Anyway, devoting one’s life to baking cookies sounds just right to me! Good post – thanks.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted..Curried Green Tomatoes
John — now i know where i can get some professional book publishing advice in the future, just in case 😉
I’m in LOVE! These cookies are so perfect! As are you, beautiful!!
Kate@Diethood recently posted..September Recipes Recap
Kate — you are so so sweet, thanks love 🙂
I love zucchini breads, but I’d never think to put it in cookies! Such an interesting idea. The cookies do look delicious though!
Rachel @ Bakerita recently posted..Banana, Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes (& a giveaway!)
Rachel — thank you so much 🙂
Hehe I thought that I wanted to be a teacher too! That was during primary school because I adored my teachers 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Alfie & Hetty, Glebe
Lorraine — haha! same here 😀
I often have to remind myself that our endless variety of choices, however overwhelming, is more of an amazing privilege than anything else. But anyway, my vote is in for professional cookie baker! I love the use of coconut oil in lieu of butter.
Irina @ wandercrush recently posted..White Sweet Potato Tortilla Española
Irina — you are so right about being privilege with choices. and i love your vote on professional cookie baker 😉
I can honestly say I’ve never tried anything with these flavors but they sound AMAZING! I do like zucchini bread so add coconut and cocao in the form of a cookie. YUM!
Tamara — thank you and i hope you get to try this cookie soon 🙂
Well whatever you are doing right now suits us perfectly fine! Love the look and sound of these cookies!
Shumaila — thank you so much! that says a lot, coming from you 🙂 xo
those last lines to remember made us smile for a long long time….yes cookies all kinds of… but this extra large extra delicious cookies will certainly make that journey far more sweet,crispy good and fun….cookies are fun making and having and we never ever have enough of them,thanks for this amazing recipe & inspiration 🙂
Kumar’s Kitchen recently posted..Sizzling Spiced Potato Patties With Lip Smacking Mint Chutney
Kumar — and thank you for such a thoughtful and sweet comment 🙂
These cookies sound absolutely delicious! I love that there are toasted hazelnuts in here … so good! And I totally agree – you should always have cookies no matter where life takes you : )
Ashley recently posted..Mustardy Kale and Butternut Squash
Ashley — haha! thank you so much 🙂
Cookies that look and sound as good as yours would definitely make any journey easier. 🙂
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Preserved Lemon Tapenade
Karen — yay, thanks friend 😀
Loved the recipe..great pictures… !! you rock Kiran!
Shema | LifeScoops recently posted..Stuffed Chicken Roast in Spiced Gravy / Malabar Style Kozhi Nirachathu
Shema — thank you! and i love your styling too 🙂
Wonderful flavor combination for a perfect cookie! And boy you do not want to hear my own bumpy education and career ride! All I need to say is at 50 I finally found what I am passionate about, good at and what I am supposed to be doing.
Jamie recently posted..Blueberry Hibiscus Panna Cotta with Wild Blackberry Swirl
Jamie — thank you! and i’m so glad you’ve finally settled into something you are so passionate about 🙂
Cookies are a necessary part of the journey! You have a real gift for photography, my friend! That could very well play a role in your journey 🙂
Meghan recently posted..Frangelico Nutella Tiramisu
Meghan — awww, thanks so much my sweet friend 🙂
I think this blog is what you were meant to do. You are a natural. GREG
Greg — thanks so much for the confidence, friend 🙂
Kiran, I think we continue to evolve – there’s no end to what you can do. I studied engineering, have an MBA and worked in corporate finance for many years before staying home with my kids and starting my blog. I love what I’m doing now and am still learning and growing. Follow your passion and enjoy the ride!
Jeanette recently posted..Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo Recipe
Jeanette — thanks! you are right about how we all are evolving, in every stage of life 🙂
This post describes me exactly. I always changed my mind about what I wanted to be, even when I was in college and grad school. In fact, when I was halfway through with grad school, I decided I didn’t want to do that either, so I got my degree with no plan to use it–ha! I still don’t really know, but I’m happy doing what I’m doing now. 🙂 Love these cookies!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies recently posted..Recipe | Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
Kiersten — you are destined to do what you are now doing 🙂
hi,
that’s nice..to be able to search and try to figure out what you want!!! Hopefully that quest should end soon!! 🙂 Cookies look awesome and obviously with veggies lurking in them, they must make a great snack for anybody!
Shobha
Hi Shoba — thank you! i think it’s natural for us all to evolve and continue to seek what’s in store for us 🙂
So delicious and pictures are just stunning, and they are tempting me! Great post and recipe too1
Sandra | Sandra’s Easy Cooking recently posted..Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Sandra — thank you so much, friend 🙂
In love with the last shot! Captures the joy of cookies wonderfully.
Indugetscooking — thank you so so much 🙂
It is weird because even now I let life guide me. I have two degrees one in economics, one in Business Administration and an MBA but still I am not sure I chose the correct subject. Now I am all about blogging and photography which somehow intrigue me more, especially photography. Life is strange or perhaps I am strange. Your cookies though look absolutely delicious!
Katerina recently posted..Savory Rainbow Muffins
Katerina — you are definitely not strange. we continue to evolve and it’s great that you are loving blogging & photography at the moment 🙂
AH-MAZZZING! The cookies are so unique and very creative. Great post Kiran 🙂
easyfoodsmith recently posted..SUN DRIED TOMATO & ROSEMARY CHEESE BISCOTTI
Taruna — thank you so much, friend 🙂
You figured out what to do with the cocoa nibs! Mine are still sitting on the counter where I look at them and think “I’ll get to you eventually.” Love all the healthy ingredients in these cookies which totally justifies their ginormous size!
Kari@Loaves n Dishes recently posted..CREOLE SHRIMP & GREENS with CREAMY BLACK PEPPER GRITS
Kari — get on the “cacao nibs” bandwagon ASAP, my friend 🙂
I have been on the same field and god forbid my patients ( or my parents!!!) are reading this, but these days baking cookies seem more fun! love that expression on your face seeing those delish cookies:-)
jehanne@thecookingdoctor recently posted..Pluot Jam..sweet and savoury cheese pairing
Jehanne — thank you and i can totally relate to you about the ‘rents 😉
Really love the zucchini in baked goods! And how brilliant that you match with coconut! That’s something I have to try next time.
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Green Tea Donuts 抹茶ドーナツ
Nami — thanks friend. i love coconut, way too much 😀
Hehe I love your hidden veg recipes. This is an amazing idea!
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Oven Express Review + One Very Happy Girl!
These look so yummy!! Love the addition of zucchini..
Mr. & Mrs. P recently posted..How to Photograph Your Dog (7 Tips!)
haha.. I really like the last photo! A candid capture is the best expression of how good the cookie is 🙂
Asha@FSK recently posted..Cracking up with humpty dumpty
Love the last picture. Especially that one. 🙂
Charul @ Tadka Masala recently posted..Double celebrations with Double ka Meetha – Hyderabadi Bread Pudding | Diwali Dessert Recipes