By Sandy King
(Gluten free, dairy free)
This must be one of my favourite sneaky snacks. Apart from being gluten free, it is also vegan (dairy and egg free) and paleo friendly. Texture is important to me, and these cookies are so satisfying on the texture level that I often forget that is it a healthier version of an old favourite. They make me think of chocolate because the texture of chocolate accounts for about 95% of the reason I love chocolate!!
Even when it comes to nut allergies or taste preferences, the almond meal can be replaced with crushed or ground sunflower seeds – so they are versatile, and will easily accommodate wherever possible. They do not contain refined sugars, and even the “chocolate chips” are cacao nibs, which add a delightful crunch. They are rich in antioxidants and magnesium
This recipe makes approximately 10-12 cookies, depending on their size. They are quick and easy to make, and they have pleased everybody for whom I have made them. The colour of the finished product depends on the almond meal used and, of course, on whether cacao powder is added or not. I usually find that organic almond meal has a darker colour, giving a darker result.
Ingredients
1½ cups Almond Meal or similar
2½ tablespoons melted coconut oil
3 tablespoons cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder (I use gluten free)
(Optional) 1 tablespoon cacao powder if you’d like to make double choc-choc-chip cookies.
Method
Preheat the oven to 170˚C or 150˚C if fan forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Combine ingredients in a bowl. Scoop the mixture out 1 tablespoon at a time. Roll into a ball. Place on the lined tray and flatten slightly (just so that they don’t roll around as they bake). Repeat until all the mixture has been used up.
Pop the tray of cookies into the preheated oven, and bake for between 12 and 15 minutes. They do not spread much. You will smell their deliciousness when they are ready. Share and enjoy with a cup of your favourite beverage.
These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days (I have yet to experience them lasting 5 days!! They are usually all eaten within 24 hours )
Contributor Sandy King is a Pellowah Practitioner and an Oracle Card and Runes reader, who works on an energy level to help others pave their path to understanding the apparent obstacles they face. Her other passion is cooking.