Last winter I hosted a cookie swap at my church! It was so much fun tasting everyone’s cookies.

I made cookies with whole wheat flour and coconut sugar! It’s my favorite way to bake cookies. Although my cookie won nothing (there were some super delicious other ones brought) 😂, it held its own against the white sugar/flour competition 💪🏾.

Is Whole Wheat Flour real Whole Grain?

Let’s begin with what is whole grain. I love this depiction from the Whole Grain Council.

A grain is considered to be a whole grain as long as all three original parts — the bran, germ, and endosperm — are still present in the same proportions as when the grain was growing in the fields.

The Bran

The bran is the multi-layered outer skin of the edible kernel. It contains important antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber.

The Germ

The germ is the embryo which has the potential to sprout into a new plant. It contains many B vitamins, some protein, minerals, and healthy fats.

The Endosperm

The endosperm is the germ’s food supply, which provides essential energy to the young plant so it can send roots down for water and nutrients, and send sprouts up for sunlight’s photosynthesizing power. The endosperm is by far the largest portion of the kernel. It contains starchy carbohydrates, proteins and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

I use this baking resource when planning how to use Whole Wheat Flour rather than white four. I find it very helpful.

Please don’t tell Mariah I borrowed her song… I was actually listening to Christmas music while baking so technically it wasn’t purposeful 😄.

Check out this quick video explanation from Oldways. A trusted nutrition health organization.

Let’s Bake!

🍪 Whole Grain Kiss Cookies

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup softened butter or coconut oil
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (if dough feels dry)
• 12–15 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped

Optional Flavor Boost

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of natural cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor

👩🏾‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
   
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together:
   • whole wheat flour
   • baking soda
   • salt
   • cinnamon (if using)
3. In another bowl, cream together:
   • butter (or coconut oil)
   • coconut sugar
4. Mix in:
   • egg
   • vanilla
5. Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients.
   
   Add milk if needed until dough is soft but scoopable.
6. Roll into small balls and place on baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

🌿 Rooted Tip

Whole wheat flour gives these cookies a cozy, nutty flavor while coconut sugar adds a light caramel taste that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Perfect for:

• lunchbox treats
• simple family baking
• healthier holiday cookies
• “just because” moments 🍫

Happy Eating Friends!

J

7 Whispers from My Heart to Yours: What a year of chasing physical, social, emotional, environmental, career, intellectual, and spiritual wellness taught me