Forget everything you think you know about chickpea cookies. These aren't your grandma's dense, earthy legume loaves. We're talking delicious, chewy, intensely chocolatey cookies that happen to have a secret ingredient: chickpeas! Yes, really. This surprisingly versatile legume adds moisture, richness, and a delightful chewiness that elevates these cookies to a whole new level. Let's dive into the magic of chickpea chocolate chip cookies.
Why Chickpeas in Chocolate Chip Cookies?
This might seem unconventional, but the benefits are numerous. Chickpeas provide:
- Moisture: They add a beautiful moisture to the cookies, preventing them from becoming dry and crumbly.
- Richness: They contribute a subtle, almost nutty depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Chewiness: The texture they impart is undeniably delightful – a perfect balance between soft and chewy.
- Hidden Goodness: You're sneaking in extra protein and fiber without sacrificing taste.
What Do Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies Taste Like?
The flavor of chickpeas is remarkably subtle in these cookies. You won't taste "chickpea" per se; instead, you'll experience a richer, more intense chocolate flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. The subtle earthiness of the chickpeas blends seamlessly with the sweetness of the chocolate and the other ingredients, creating a harmonious and surprisingly delicious treat.
How to Make Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the ingredient list may seem unusual, the process is surprisingly simple. Here's what you'll need:
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Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained very well (pat them dry!)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, milk – your choice!)
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Instructions:
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Prepare the chickpeas: This is crucial! Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly. Then, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This will prevent your cookies from being too wet.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth, but with some texture remaining. Add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
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Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Stir in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies Healthy?
While these cookies aren't health food, they are a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies. The chickpeas add protein and fiber, making them more filling and nutritious than cookies made with only refined flour and butter. However, they still contain sugar, so moderation is key.
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
- Chickpeas: While chickpeas are essential for the texture and moisture, you could experiment with other beans, but results may vary.
- Oils: Other neutral-flavored oils, such as avocado oil or refined coconut oil, can be used instead of coconut oil.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup or other liquid sweeteners could be substituted for some of the granulated sugar, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour.
- Flour: Gluten-free flour blends work well.
How to Store Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Enjoy your surprisingly delicious and surprisingly healthy chickpea chocolate chip cookies! They’re a perfect treat for any occasion.
