So, fall is officially here — a season I didn’t use to be very fond of. Not because of the season itself, but rather because fall meant that winter was coming. Grr…winter.

When I moved to Chicago (over eight years ago), I started to appreciate fall. The smell of wood-burning smoke coming from the fireplace of an old brick home. The feeling of a hot cup of fresh-brewed coffee in my hands at my favorite local coffee shop. The crunch of colorful fall leaves under my leather boot-clad feet. The coziness of my favorite spot on the couch as I curl up for an afternoon of Bears football.

I actually like all of these things, so it started to seem unfair to pass such judgement on fall because of its close relationship to winter. So, with that being said, fall — I welcome you with open arms. (Let’s just not be too cold this year, deal?)

These cookies will keep you warm during fall and beyond. I’ve deemed them “weeknight cookies,” although you could certainly eat them any time. The reason I’ve given that name is because not only are they really easy to make, but they’re also dairy, refined grain and sugar-free. I’m not vegan or paleo by any means, but during the week I like to eat as cleanly as possible. That way, on the weekend, I can totally go overboard (which I usually do) and not feel guilty about it (or as guilty, anyway).

Weeknight Cookies (makes 10 small cookies)

Slightly adapted from Running to the Kitchen

What you need:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, plus extra for garnish
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil (make sure to melt the oil prior to measuring)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes (or carob chips if you need your chocolate fix)

How you do it:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, salt and baking soda.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, honey, coconut milk and vanilla extract.
4. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring well to combine. Fold in the coconut flakes.
5. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop batter onto a Silpat-lined cookie sheet (they don’t spread out that much, so it’s OK if they’re close together). Top with a sprinkle of sea salt, then transfer to the oven to bake for 12 minutes.
6. Once removing the cookies from the oven, let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cookies will be soft at first but will firm up after a few minutes on the cookie sheet, making them easier to transfer.