Tired of the same old cookies? Craving a delicious treat that's also good for you? Then get ready to be amazed! This recipe for chickpea chocolate chip cookies will change your perspective on healthy baking. These cookies are surprisingly soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, all while boasting a secret ingredient: chickpeas! Yes, you read that right. Don't worry, you won't taste the chickpeas; they add a delightful moistness and boost the nutritional value without compromising on flavor. This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, a healthy snack, or even a delicious dessert. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained extremely well (pat them dry with a paper towel!)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with more whole wheat)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite type!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Blend the Chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a food processor. Process until completely smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a good texture! Scrape down the sides as needed.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the food processor. Pulse until just combined – be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay!
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Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
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Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your healthy and delicious homemade cookies!
Tips for the Best Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Dry those chickpeas!: Thoroughly drying the chickpeas is essential. Any excess moisture will make the cookies gummy.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in tough cookies.
- Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your liking. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Chickpea Cookies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter twist.
- Oatmeal Raisin Chickpea Cookies: Replace the chocolate chips with ½ cup of raisins for a classic oatmeal raisin cookie with a healthy makeover.
- Vegan Chickpea Cookies: This recipe is already naturally vegan. Just ensure your chocolate chips are also vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3 grams
This recipe is a great example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It offers a simple solution for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking, knowing you're creating a delicious and nutritious treat that the whole family will love. These cookies are a fantastic example of best recipes that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.