Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies packed with protein thanks to chickpeas and Organic SunButter. Don’t forget lots of dark chocolate chips!

Wholesome & Delicious: Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies with SunButter

Life can get incredibly busy, and sometimes, even keeping yourself well-fed feels like a monumental task. This past summer, I found myself navigating a challenging week as a solo dog mom while my partner, M, was away at a work conference. Flora, our energetic dog, is deeply attached to M, so I was quite apprehensive about how she would cope with “Dad” being absent. While I was the one who initially campaigned for a dog, Flora has since developed a special bond with M, which is often the way it goes, isn’t it? Of course, she’s attached to me too, but my constant presence makes our dynamic different from her relationship with the human who leaves for work and returns.

During that week, Flora diligently searched for M every day – sniffing by the door, poking her head into his favorite spots, and gazing out the window. Despite her longing, we quickly settled into a routine, just us girls. It was honestly a significant confidence boost to realize I could keep us both thriving on my own. You know those days, friends, when you feel like you’re barely holding it together yourself, let alone caring for another furry friend? This experience proved I was capable. To simplify things and ensure our week ran smoothly, we doubled down on established routines here at Flora & Vino, and luckily, Flora shares her momma’s appreciation for predictability. Our days were filled with walks, playtime, regular meals, and all the cuddle sessions my little “velociraptor” would permit before her playful nips began. (I’m still determined to transform this working breed into a lap dog!)

One essential step I took to prepare for the week was a massive meal prep session on Sunday. This ensured I had comforting, wholesome food ready to go, even while missing M. Among the nourishing dishes I prepared, one particular item stood out as a true lifesaver for those busy days: these incredible Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies! And don’t worry, you certainly don’t need your partner to be out of town to enjoy them, though it might increase your chances of having them all to yourself!

These Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies are a game-changer. They’re unbelievably delicious and packed with plant-based protein, thanks to the star ingredients: chickpeas and creamy SunButter. And whatever you do, don’t skimp on the dark chocolate chips! Because, as I often remind my yoga students before savasana: You deserve it. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a convenient, satisfying, and health-conscious snack that you can feel good about enjoying any time of day. They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and nutrition, making them perfect for powering through your day or simply indulging in a moment of pure bliss.

What You Need to Make These Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies

One of the best things about these Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies is how incredibly simple they are to whip up, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. You might already have everything you need right now!

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• chickpeas: The secret ingredient! Chickpeas provide a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing to the cookies’ surprisingly soft and chewy texture. They also help bind the ingredients together, eliminating the need for flour.
• Organic SunButter: This creamy sunflower seed butter is a fantastic alternative to peanut butter, making these cookies safe for those with nut allergies. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and contributes healthy fats and more protein.
• pure maple syrup: Our natural sweetener of choice. Maple syrup not only adds a lovely depth of flavor but also keeps these cookies refined sugar-free. Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.
• vegan dark chocolate chips: Essential for that classic chocolate chip cookie experience! Dark chocolate offers antioxidants and a delightful bittersweet contrast to the other ingredients. Make sure to choose a vegan brand if following a plant-based diet.

That’s truly it for the core ingredients! Beyond these, you’ll just need standard baking tools like a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a high-speed blender or food processor.

How to Effortlessly Make These Healthy Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies

Making these cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for even novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of wholesome, delicious treats:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, creamy Organic SunButter, and pure maple syrup. Start with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and add more if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
3. Pulse the mixture until a smooth, creamy, and somewhat sticky dough forms. It’s crucial to pause occasionally and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor with a rubber spatula. This ensures all ingredients are thoroughly combined and you achieve a uniform consistency without any chunky bits of chickpea. The batter should resemble a thick, creamy dough.
4. Once the base dough is ready, gently fold in your vegan dark chocolate chips. You can do this in the blender/processor with a few quick pulses, or transfer the dough to a bowl and mix them in by hand.
5. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, using the palms of your hands.
6. Place the dough balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your hands. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that perfect cookie shape. This recipe typically yields about 16-18 cookies.
7. Bake the cookies for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch around the edges. When you first remove them from the oven, they might appear slightly underdone in the center, and that’s perfectly normal and desired! These cookies are vegan and made with safe-to-eat-raw ingredients, so it’s always better to slightly undercook them to maintain a soft, chewy interior rather than overcooking them, which can make them dry.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential for them to firm up and reach their optimal texture.

Smart Swaps and Substitutions for Your Chickpea Cookies

Given the remarkably short ingredient list for these Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies, the substitution options are equally concise, yet versatile enough to cater to various dietary needs and preferences.

• For Chickpeas: While chickpeas are the star legume here, offering an ideal texture and neutral flavor, you can certainly experiment with other white beans if chickpeas aren’t available. Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are excellent alternatives that will yield similar results in terms of texture and binding properties. Just ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained, just like the chickpeas.
• For SunButter: My absolute favorite choice for these cookies is SunButter. The combination of chocolate and Organic SunButter is truly a match made in culinary heaven! Beyond its delicious flavor, SunButter ensures these cookies are completely allergen-friendly, making them a safe and delightful treat for anyone with nut allergies. However, if nut allergies aren’t a concern, almost any nut or seed butter will function similarly in this recipe. Feel free to use almond butter, cashew butter, or even tahini for a slightly different flavor profile. Each will bring its unique nuances to the cookie, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
• For Dark Chocolate Chips: If you’re looking to avoid chocolate or simply wish to change things up, omitting the chocolate chips is an option. Alternatively, you can swap them for other delightful mix-ins. Consider adding raisins, chopped dried cranberries, or other dried fruits for a burst of sweetness. For a textural contrast, finely chopped nuts (if not avoiding), sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds would be excellent. You could even introduce spices like a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of orange zest for an aromatic twist.
• For Pure Maple Syrup: Maple syrup serves as our natural liquid sweetener, contributing a unique flavor. It can be easily substituted with another liquid sweetener of your choice, such as agave nectar or date syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly, so choose a sweetener that complements the other ingredients. Avoid dry sweeteners like granulated sugar, as they would alter the dough’s consistency and moisture content significantly.

These simple swaps allow you to customize your Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies to your liking, ensuring everyone can enjoy these wholesome treats!

Meal Prep Made Easy: Notes on Storing Your Protein Cookies

These Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies are truly a dream come true for anyone committed to meal prepping. Because they are absolutely packed with protein (a huge thank you to the humble chickpea!), they are an *ideal* snack to prepare in advance for the week ahead. Beyond their protein power, I absolutely adore that they are completely flourless, vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and a guilt-free indulgence.

Once baked, you can serve these delicious cookies immediately after allowing them to cool briefly. The aroma alone is enough to tempt you!

For efficient meal prepping and to enjoy these cookies throughout the week, ensure any leftover cookies cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and sogginess. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. This makes them a perfect grab-and-go snack for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or a wholesome dessert after dinner.

For longer-term storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place the completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to one to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, you can thaw it at room temperature, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, or even enjoy it straight from the freezer for a surprisingly delightful, fudgy treat!

Creative Ways to Serve Your Wholesome Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies

These versatile Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies are perfect for enjoying as a satisfying snack or a nutritious dessert. Their delightful flavor and wholesome ingredients make them a truly adaptable treat for any occasion.

They’re also an excellent way to use up that half-eaten jar of SunButter lingering in your pantry. I personally love to grab a couple of these cookies as my mid-morning snack to power through till lunch, or as an afternoon pick-me-up when that 3 PM slump hits. Their protein content keeps you feeling full and energized without the sugar crash.

Beyond enjoying them simply on their own, get creative with your serving! Try spreading a bit of extra nut butter or your favorite fruit jelly on top, much like frosting. Imagine the combination of a warm cookie with a dollop of almond butter and a swirl of raspberry jam – pure bliss! You can also enjoy them solo, grab them straight from the fridge for a firmer, chewier bite, or microwave them for a few seconds to achieve a wonderfully warm, gooey, and comforting treat, especially lovely on a chilly day.

Their sturdy texture makes them incredibly transportable, so they’re ideal for your on-the-go lifestyle. Bag a few and tuck them into your backpack, purse, or even your pocket for a healthy, energy-boosting snack wherever the day’s adventures take you. Whether you’re heading to work, the gym, or out for a hike, these cookies are the perfect companion.

Remember to store your baked cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, and freeze any leftovers for a month or two, ensuring you always have a wholesome snack at hand. Enjoy every single bite!

More Delicious Vegan Snack Cookie Recipes to Explore

If you loved these Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious and wholesome vegan cookie recipes from Flora & Vino. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining a focus on plant-based, often gluten-free and refined sugar-free ingredients. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth the healthy way!

• Blood Orange Chocolate Chickpea Cookies: A vibrant and zesty twist on chickpea cookies, combining the bright notes of blood orange with rich chocolate.

• Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies: Indulge in the decadent pairing of dark chocolate and tart cherries in these wonderfully chewy, wholesome cookies.

• Cashew Butter Chickpea Snack Cookies: For those who adore the creamy richness of cashew butter, these cookies offer a delightful, nutty alternative to the SunButter version.

• Pumpkin Spice Chickpea Cookies: A seasonal favorite, these cookies bring the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices into a healthy snackable treat.

I Want to Hear From You! Share Your Creations!

If you decide to make this delightful Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more delicious and wholesome recipes for you to enjoy.

Please be sure to leave me a comment below with your thoughts, a rating, and a review of the recipe. This helps other readers know what to expect and encourages me to refine and expand my culinary offerings.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram! Tag @flora_and_vino and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations. I love seeing how you bring my recipes to life in your own kitchens.

For more recipe inspiration and to save your favorites for later, be sure to check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find a treasure trove of healthy, plant-based recipes just like this one.

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XO Lauren

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