Quinoa Chocolate Cookies Recipe
These Quinoa Chocolate Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone looking to indulge in a healthier version of a classic snack. Packed with the goodness of quinoa, oats, and coconut, these cookies offer a chewy texture, a rich chocolate flavor, and a hint of sweetness from coconut sugar and ripe bananas. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon snack or a treat for your kids’ lunchboxes, these cookies fit the bill. And the best part? They come together effortlessly in just under an hour!
Ingredients for Quinoa Chocolate Cookies
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Quinoa | 1 cup |
| All Purpose Flour | 1 cup |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/2 cup |
| Desiccated Coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Coconut Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coconut Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Ripe Banana (mashed) | 1 |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Chia Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Dark Chocolate Chips | 1 1/2 cups |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
Instructions for Quinoa Chocolate Cookies
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Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is hot enough for baking your cookies to perfection. -
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Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crack the whole egg. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and coconut oil to the bowl, and beat the mixture together until it’s smooth and well combined. -
Add Sugar and Quinoa:
Add the coconut sugar to the mixture and beat again until the sugar is fully incorporated. Then, add the cooked quinoa to the bowl and mix well. -
Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, mix in the all-purpose flour, desiccated coconut, instant oats, baking powder, and mashed banana. Stir the ingredients together until a thick cookie dough forms. -
Incorporate Chia Seeds and Chocolate Chips:
Scatter the chia seeds into the dough, then add 1/2 cup of the dark chocolate chips. Mix gently to ensure everything is well combined. -
Shape the Cookies:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Make sure to leave about an inch of space between each scoop, allowing the cookies to spread as they bake. -
Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. -
Cool the Cookies:
Once the cookies are baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. The cookies will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat. -
Prepare the Chocolate Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the chocolate coating. Place the remaining 1 cup of dark chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (a method known as a double boiler). Stir the chocolate chips gently as they melt. Once fully melted, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. -
Dip the Cookies in Chocolate:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. After dipping, place the cookies back onto the wire rack to allow the chocolate to set. -
Let the Chocolate Set:
Allow the chocolate to harden and set on the cookies. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. -
Store and Serve:
Once the chocolate has set, your Quinoa Chocolate Cookies are ready to be stored. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. These cookies are perfect as a tea-time snack, paired with a cup of masala chai, or packed into snack boxes for kids.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
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Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to customize the flavor of your cookies. You could also add in some nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.
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Kid-Friendly: These cookies make a great option for lunchboxes or an after-school snack. The quinoa and chia seeds add extra nutrients, making them a healthier treat for children.
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Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just make sure to place a layer of parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
Why You’ll Love These Quinoa Chocolate Cookies
- Healthier Ingredient Choices: Packed with quinoa, oats, and chia seeds, these cookies provide a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Naturally Sweetened: Using coconut sugar and ripe bananas, these cookies offer a more natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
- Perfect for All Diets: These cookies are vegetarian and can be adapted to suit gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Enjoy these delectable quinoa chocolate cookies as a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on health. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
