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What are the ingredients in Enliven cookies?

3 min read

Enliven Edibles was founded in May 2023 and quickly gained a reputation for its flavorful cannabis-infused cookies that minimize the characteristic herbal taste. This has led many consumers to ask, "What are the ingredients in Enliven cookies?" to understand how this perfect balance is achieved.

Quick Summary

Enliven cookies feature a base of traditional baked good components, including flour, sugars, and shortening, combined with high-grade cannabis distillate for infusion. The specific ingredients vary slightly by flavor, such as the addition of semi-sweet chocolate or peanut butter, and are free of artificial flavors or colors.

Key Points

  • Cannabis Distillate: Instead of infused butter, Enliven uses a flavorless cannabis distillate to avoid a strong herbal taste in their cookies.

  • Classic Cookie Base: The edibles are built on a traditional recipe featuring enriched flour, brown sugar, and shortening for a familiar, homemade-style flavor.

  • Specific Flavor Ingredients: Each cookie variation includes distinct additions, such as semi-sweet chocolate chips for their Chocolate Chip cookies or roasted peanuts for the Peanut Butter flavor.

  • Range of Cannabinoids: Beyond standard THC cookies, Enliven offers specialized products with combinations of THC, CBD, and CBN for targeted effects like relaxation or sleep.

  • Freshness and Quality: The company emphasizes the use of freshly made dough, without artificial flavors or colors, and adds preservatives to ensure freshness.

  • Made in Pekin, Illinois: Enliven's cookies are baked in a world-class facility located in Pekin, utilizing the recipes initially developed by the founder in her home kitchen.

In This Article

The Classic Base Ingredients of Enliven Cookies

At the heart of every Enliven cookie is a familiar, homemade-style recipe. The foundation consists of standard baking ingredients that create the cookie's comforting texture and flavor. The company prides itself on using freshly made dough and high-quality ingredients to achieve its classic taste.

Primary Baking Components

The base dough for Enliven's cookies is built on a few essential elements:

  • Enriched Flour: A standard for many baked goods, enriched flour provides the core structure of the cookie.
  • Sugars: A combination of brown and pure cane sugar contributes to the cookies' sweetness and classic texture.
  • Shortening: A blend of vegetable oils, including soybean and palm oil, along with mono- and diglycerides, is used as the primary fat source.
  • Eggs and Milk: These ingredients provide moisture and help bind the dough together, ensuring a consistent texture.
  • Leavening Agents: Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is used to make the cookies rise properly.
  • Kosher Salt: Added for balance and to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
  • Vanilla Flavor: An essential flavoring agent that gives the cookies their traditional aromatic profile.

The Cannabis Distillate Infusion

What sets Enliven cookies apart from standard cookies is the addition of cannabis distillate. This highly refined, concentrated oil is infused into the dough during the baking process. Using a distillate, as opposed to infused butter or oil that contains more plant matter, is key to masking the undesirable cannabis flavor that often accompanies edibles. This process allows the rich, authentic cookie taste to shine through without a distracting, earthy aftertaste, which has been praised in consumer reviews.

Cannabinoid Varieties

Enliven offers a variety of cookies with different cannabinoid profiles to provide consumers with a range of experiences. The ingredients list will specify which cannabinoids are included for each product.

Common cannabinoid infusions include:

  • THC Distillate: Found in their standard cookies, delivering a classic psychoactive experience.
  • THC + CBD: The "Be Relaxed" version combines THC with Cannabidiol (CBD) for a more balanced effect.
  • THC + CBN: The "Stay Asleep" variety pairs THC with Cannabinol (CBN) to promote relaxation and sleepiness.

Flavor-Specific and Additive Ingredients

While the base remains consistent, additional ingredients are introduced to create the different flavor varieties offered by Enliven.

Ingredient Variations by Flavor

  • Chocolate Chip: Contains semi-sweet chocolate chips and sunflower lecithin.
  • Peanut Butter: Uses roasted peanuts and peanut butter for its distinct flavor.
  • Snickerdoodle: Includes a cinnamon and sugar coating, providing the classic snickerdoodle taste.
  • Salted Caramel: Features caramel and extra salt to achieve a sweet and savory profile.

Preservatives and Antioxidants

To ensure freshness and extend shelf life, Enliven also incorporates specific additives:

  • Potassium Sorbate: Acts as a preservative to inhibit mold and yeast growth.
  • TBHQ and Citric Acid: These are antioxidants that help preserve the freshness of the fats in the shortening.
  • Beta-Carotene: A natural colorant added for appearance.

Standard vs. Enliven Cannabis Cookie: An Ingredient Comparison

To highlight the difference between a traditional homemade cookie and an Enliven medicated cookie, consider this comparison.

Ingredient Category Standard Homemade Cookie Enliven Cannabis Cookie (Chocolate Chip)
Core Flour All-purpose flour Enriched flour
Sugars Granulated and brown sugar Pure cane sugar and brown sugar
Fats Butter or vegetable shortening Vegetable oil blend shortening (soybean/palm)
Flavorings Vanilla extract, chocolate chips Vanilla flavor, semi-sweet chocolate, artificial flavor
Active Infusion None High-grade cannabis distillate
Emulsifier None typical Soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin
Preservatives None Potassium sorbate
Antioxidants None TBHQ and citric acid

Conclusion

Understanding what are the ingredients in Enliven cookies reveals a strategic recipe designed to deliver both a nostalgic taste and a consistent, predictable cannabis experience. By combining a classic cookie base with high-grade cannabis distillate, Enliven is able to create a product that effectively masks the cannabis flavor. This makes their cookies appealing to a wider audience, including those who are new to edibles or dislike the herbal taste common in other products. The use of quality ingredients, freedom from artificial flavors, and variety of cannabinoid options further solidify their place in the market. For those interested in their products, you can find more information on their official website: Enliven Edibles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis distillate is a highly refined, concentrated form of cannabis oil. It's used in Enliven cookies because it is largely flavorless, which allows the authentic cookie taste to dominate without any unpleasant herbal aftertaste.

No, based on the ingredients list for their chocolate chip flavor, Enliven cookies use a shortening blend made with soybean and palm oil, not real butter.

Yes, Enliven offers cookies with various cannabinoid blends, including THC with CBD ("Be Relaxed") and THC with CBN ("Stay Asleep") for different user experiences.

The most reliable source for a full ingredients list for a specific flavor would be the official Enliven Edibles website or the product packaging itself.

Based on the ingredients found, the cookies contain enriched wheat flour and milk products, making them unsuitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies. Always check the specific product label.

According to product descriptions and reviews, the infusion method does not compromise the cookie's texture. Reviews describe them as thin, crispy, and flavorful, just like a classic cookie.

No, Enliven Edibles states that their cookies are made with freshly made dough and are free of artificial flavors or colors.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.