Wholesome Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies: Your New Favorite Healthy & Vegan Treat!

Indulge in these Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies, a revolutionary snack crafted from humble chickpeas, rich cacao powder, and creamy nut butter, delicately sweetened with pure maple syrup and vibrant cherry butter. They’re a game-changer for healthy indulgence!

Do you ever find yourself craving a wholesome treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals? As someone who cherishes both the bustling energy of city life and the tranquil calm of a quiet kitchen, I’ve learned that a truly balanced life means embracing both adventure and nourishment. My recent trip to New York City with my sister was a vivid reminder of this. It was her first time experiencing “the city that never sleeps,” and watching her marvel at the endless possibilities, vibrant creativity, and incredible diversity through fresh eyes was truly inspiring.

We walked for miles, talked for hours, and of course, ate (and ate some more!). All that exploration certainly works up an appetite, doesn’t it? While I might feel more at home wandering through a serene vineyard than navigating the crowds of Times Square, I always appreciate the renewed perspective that travel brings. It reminds me that my beloved little kitchen, with its familiar ingredients and routines, is just a small, delightful part of a much larger, more diverse menu of experiences and flavors. And sometimes, those flavors come from unexpected places, like chickpeas in cookies!

“Oh, wait, you mean…not everyone eats chickpea cookies?!” It’s a common reaction, but once you try these Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies, you’ll understand the magic. This incredible recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, transforming them into a protein-packed, fiber-rich, and antioxidant-laden treat. They are absolutely perfect for snacking any time of day, offering a guilt-free indulgence that truly satisfies.

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Cookies: A Simple Guide

These delectable Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies draw their inspiration from my popular Cashew Chickpea Snack Cookies (Snookies!), but with a vibrant and irresistible chocolate cherry twist. Who can resist the harmonious blend of tart cherry and the deep, sweet notes of cacao? It’s a classic pairing, elevated here in cookie form.

The resulting chewies are a delightful balance of slightly tart and perfectly sweet, intensely chocolate-y, and wonderfully chewy – just as the name suggests. The foundation of these wholesome cookies is a creamy nut butter and chickpea base, making them naturally gluten-free and bursting with plant-based protein. This innovative combination yields cookies that are delightfully firm on the outside yet soft and pliable within, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of your favorite chocolate-covered cherries. Pure swoon-worthy goodness!

Why Chickpeas in Your Desserts?

If you’re new to the concept of chickpeas in sweets, you might be raising an eyebrow. But trust me, once you try them, you’ll be a convert! Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are incredibly versatile. In these chewies, they act as a fantastic binder and add a wonderful creamy texture without imparting any discernible “bean” flavor. Beyond their textural contribution, chickpeas are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a significant boost of fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and folate. This makes our Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies not just a treat, but a genuinely nutritious snack that keeps you feeling full and energized. They are truly the secret ingredient for a healthier, more satisfying cookie.

The Star Ingredient: Organic Tart Cherry Butter from Eden Foods

The intense, authentic cherry flavor that defines these chewies comes from a very special ingredient: Organic Tart Cherry Butter by Eden Foods. I have a genuine fondness for this cherry butter because its flavor is simply incredible, and what’s even better, it boasts just one ingredient. If you take a moment to read the label on the jar, you’ll find only “Organic Tart Cherries” listed. No added water, no sugar, no preservatives, no artificial anything – just pure, concentrated cherry goodness.

Each jar contains the essence of four pounds of delicious Montmorency tart cherries, cooked down slowly to a state of tart perfection. This dedication to purity ensures that you’re getting the maximum flavor and nutritional benefits. The Montmorency cherry variety is particularly renowned for its high antioxidant content, specifically anthocyanins, which contribute to its vibrant red color and potent anti-inflammatory properties. When this rich cherry butter is combined with raw cacao powder, it creates not just an incredibly tasty treat, but also an antioxidant-rich powerhouse that actively supports your well-being. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the goodness of nature in every bite.

Unlocking the Nutritional Benefits

Beyond their amazing taste, these Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies are packed with incredible health benefits, making them a smart choice for any snack or dessert. The chickpeas provide a substantial amount of dietary fiber, crucial for digestive health, and plant-based protein, which helps with satiety and muscle repair. Cacao, the unprocessed form of chocolate, is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet, protecting your cells from damage and boosting mood. And, as we’ve discussed, organic tart cherry butter brings a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and potent anthocyanins, known for reducing inflammation and aiding in post-exercise recovery. This combination makes each chewie a tiny nutritional powerhouse, supporting everything from heart health to an energized mind and body.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies

You are going to absolutely love whipping up a batch of these Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies. They’re an exciting and wholesome snack to have on hand throughout your week! Their portable size and satisfying texture make them ideal for a mid-morning pick-me-up or a delightful afternoon treat alongside a glass of creamy almond milk. They also make a fantastic pre- or post-workout snack, offering sustained energy and quick recovery thanks to their balanced nutritional profile.

In this particular recipe, I chose walnut butter for the batter, as I adore the classic pairing of walnuts and cherries. However, if walnut butter isn’t readily available, don’t fret! Any neutral-flavored nut or seed butter, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, will work wonderfully as a substitute, maintaining the chewies’ delightful texture and taste. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or your personal favorite.

These chewies are absolutely delicious enjoyed as is, offering a pure burst of chocolate and cherry flavor. But if you’re looking to elevate the experience and add a bit more pizzazz, consider garnishing them! A sprinkle of crushed walnuts provides a lovely crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor. Dark chocolate chunks can intensify the chocolate richness and add a delightful melt. For an even more vibrant tartness and an intriguing texture, a scattering of freeze-dried crushed cherries on top makes for a beautiful and flavorful finish. Get creative and make them your own!

Storage and Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the best things about these Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies is how well they store, making them perfect for meal prepping. After they’ve cooled completely, place any leftover cookies in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining their soft, chewy texture. For longer-term storage, these chewies freeze exceptionally well. Simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a snack, simply grab one or two and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a delightful frosty treat.

Explore More Wholesome Chickpea Cookie Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of chickpeas in desserts, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of this legume makes it a fantastic base for a variety of healthy and delicious cookies. Discover some of my other favorite chickpea cookie creations:

• Pumpkin Spice Chickpea Cookies

• Blood Orange Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies

• Cashew Butter Chickpea Snack Cookies

• Flourless Chickpea Afghan Cookies

Join the Conversation: I Want to Hear From You!

Have you tried making these delightful Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies? I would absolutely love to know what you think!

Please take a moment to leave a comment below, share your experience, and provide a rating and review. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to me, helping me to continually create more delicious and wholesome recipes for you to enjoy.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to share your beautiful creations. I love seeing your culinary adventures!

For more plant-based inspiration and healthy recipes like this one, be sure to check out my Pinterest page. You can easily pin your favorite recipes to make later!

If you loved this post and want to stay updated with all my latest recipes and lifestyle tips, head over to my homepage and subscribe to get fresh content delivered right to your inbox!

XO Lauren

Print

This comprehensive post about Chocolate Cherry Chickpea Chewies is proudly brought to you by Eden Foods. All the words, recipes, and delightful eats are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the incredible sponsors who keep my kitchen active and my appetite growing!