3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies (#Glutenfree, #Vegan) + Namaste Foods #Giveaway!

When December finally arrives, holiday shopping, Christmas carols and festive feasts often tag along. As every college student can attest, though, finals also dominate the first two weeks of the "holiday season." How's a college student supposed to get in the Christmas mood?

By baking Christmas cookies, of course - especially when they're just as easy and quick to make as they are delicious. To get my holiday started, I've been devouring homemade pumpkin cookies. And to get you into the Santa mindset, I'm sharing my three-ingredient pumpkin cookie recipe - and offering a HUGE Namaste Foods giveaway!

So whether you love (gluten free and vegan) pumpkin cookies, free food or both, keep reading for the chance to receive an extra present to put under the Christmas tree. 

So why are these pumpkin cookies the perfect treat for a busy college student? First, the taste. Depending on what recipe variation you choose, these cookies are soft and chewy, or fluffy and crunchy. Sweet but not overly sugary - and they'll make your home smell better than any holiday candle ever could!

What's the secret ingredient to these 30-minutes-or-less goodies? Namaste Foods's Organic Pumpkin Baking Mix. For those who don't know, Namaste Foods began when founder Daphne Taylor was approached by a friend whose son wanted to eat like everyone else - despite his food allergies. Nearly twenty years later, Namaste Foods now sells their products throughout the U.S and boasts a staff consisting mostly of stay-at-home moms. 

My secret weapon!

Namaste goodies - ranging from baking mixes to pre-prepared pastas to raw flours - aren't just gluten free either. They're also free of the top eight allergens (including wheat, soy, potato, dairy, casein, peanuts and tree nuts) and are made in a dedicated facility. I also love that the mixes are extremely versatile. For instance, the Organic Pumpkin Baking Mix can be used to create cakes, muffins, pancakes, cookies and more!

To get into the Christmas spirit, I decided on pumpkin cookies - and experimented with "veganizing" Namaste's traditional recipe in two different ways. I also made these treats a little healthier by omitting the oil! If you're a chewy cookie addict, stick to the pumpkin/banana version. Crunchy, fluffy treats calling your name? Then try out the baking magic that is aquafaba, or the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It sounds crazy, but tastes so delicious!

That close up...

Whatever route you choose, start by gathering the three simple ingredients below.

Ingredients for around 23 small cookies:

(For Crispy Cookies):

1 cup Organic Pumpkin Baking Mix
6 TBSP aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
2 TBSP water

OR

(For Chewy Cookies):

1 cup Organic Pumpkin Baking Mix
2 TBSP pumpkin purée or ripe banana, mashed
4 TBSP water

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, your cookies are really as easy as adding all of the ingredients in a bowl and mixing thoroughly. If the mix seems too dry, add more water (one tablespoon at a time). Know, however, that the batter with aquafaba will get thicker as you keep stirring and probably won't need any extra liquid. 

Once your oven is preheated, scoop out your batter onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. I prefer small cookies (so I can eat more of them at one time, obviously) so I used a little less than one tablespoon per cookie. But if monster cookies are your jam, you do you! 

Yes please!

Then, all you have to do is pop your tray(s) into the oven. WARNING: these babies go from golden to burnt fast, so keep your eye on the oven! Mine baked in 9-12 minutes. You want to pull them out when the cookies' edges are browned. The middles may still seem a bit soft to the touch, but the cookies will harden as they cool. 

As usual, these treats taste delicious on their own or dipped in a glass of (regular or dairy free) milk. However, I love using them as toppings for my smoothie bowls - which should surprise none of my longtime readers! - and nightly yogurt parfaits. Another fun fact: while the batter may be a bit too sticky to shape into Christmas figures, you can still cut your cookies into festive shapes after they cool! 

Cookies as far as the eye can see!

Now, for the part you've probably been waiting (correction: scrolling) for: the chance to try out Namaste Foods for yourself! One lucky winner will receive a Namaste grocery tote packed with four Namaste products (one pasta meal, baking mix, coating mix and soup cup!) and various recipe cards to inspire your own kitchen creations. To enter, use the widget below! (Only US and Canada residents are eligible).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

When people flip their calendars to December, the month can often look like a fun yet never ending to-do list. With some help from festive baked goods and generous companies like Namaste Foods, though, everyone can enjoy the Christmas cheer...

What could be sitting under your tree this Christmas!

...whether you're eating these cookies under a warm, calming fire or in between college finals! 

**I received products from Namaste Foods to sample free of charge; however, all thoughts, opinions and recipes are my own**

*Also found at Wow Me Wednesday, Runningwithspoons, SaucySaturdays, ShareFest, VegetarianMama, Snickerdoodle Sunday, Pretty Pintastic Party and What's Cookin' Wednesday!*

How do you get into the Christmas mood when you're busy during December? What Namaste Food products would you want try the most? Comment below!