In these days of extreme uncertainty and too much anxiety, there needs to be a way to cope with the day-to-day grind. If you do not feel like going on a walk, meditating, or journaling, other productive options exist for stress relief. Life does not always have to be so serious, so take the time to have some fun. And what better way to deal with stress than by cooking!

What you eat during difficult life periods is purely a personal decision, but have you heard about chocolate? Chocolate therapy is always good during challenging life moments, and here is the perfect antidote to provide stress relief:

Vegan and Delicious Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid (be sure it is not melted at all)
• 1 and 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (I like to use the thicker Thai variety, but any coconut milk will work)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (be sure not to pack your flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips (use vegan chocolate chips if vegan), divided flaky sea salt, optional

Preheat oven to 375⁰

In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla, beating until well combined. Add in the coconut milk and applesauce and whisk until well combined; set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; whisk well to combine.

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until ingredients are combined. The batter will be very thick! Fold in 1 and 3/4 cups of the chocolate chips.

Scoop three tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving a few inches between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers have set. Press remaining chocolate chips on top of warm cookies, and sprinkle with sea salt if using. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

We go together like milk and cookies!

Now, that you are enjoying the warm goodness of chocolate chip cookies, take the time to further soothe your soul by contacting Goodwin Recruiting. With over 20 years of experience in recruiting, and recognized as one of Forbes America’s Best Recruiting Firms 2020, we can assist you in your job search and promise to be a trusted partner for you throughout the process.