Irresistible Vegan Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies: A Healthy & Flavorful Treat

Discover the unique blend of warming turmeric and rich dark chocolate in these delectable chunk cookies. Crafted with wholesome ingredients like creamy cashew butter and fine almond flour, these grain-free, gluten-free, and plant-based delights are ready in just 15 minutes, offering a guilt-free indulgence for any occasion.

Life is full of unexpected joys, much like the delightful surprise of finding a new favorite cookie recipe. Just this past weekend, my partner M and I, along with two dear friends, experienced one of those truly special moments. We embraced the early morning, rising at 4 AM to embark on a picturesque drive to Shenandoah, ready to conquer the famed Old Rag hike. Arriving in the parking lot just after sunrise, I was once again reminded why I cherish mornings so much. We successfully outsmarted the usual crowds, enjoying the serene trail almost entirely to ourselves, basking in the cool, crisp mountain air before the heat of the day truly set in.

But the true pinnacle of our adventure unfolded at the summit, a moment that transcended the breathtaking views. Our friend Nate, amidst the majestic panorama, got down on one knee and asked Anna to marry him. Witnessing a proposal in person, especially one involving two of my absolute favorite people, was an incredibly moving experience. These two remarkable individuals truly bring out the very best in each other, and their joy was infectious. As Anna joyfully accepted, onlookers from higher rocks cheered and clapped, and M skillfully captured every precious moment on his camera.

The entire descent was filled with an uncontrollable smile; in that moment, I wholeheartedly believed in the universe’s magical way of bringing people together for a reason. And perhaps, dear reader, the universe has led *you* here for a reason, too – to embark on your own delightful journey of creating these exquisite Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a testament to how incredible wholesome, plant-based baking can be. Designed for convenience without sacrificing flavor, they are entirely grain-free, gluten-free, and plant-based. Even better, they come together effortlessly in a single bowl and bake to perfection in a mere 15 minutes, making them the ideal spontaneous indulgence or a thoughtful gift to share with loved ones.

Unlocking the Golden Goodness: Adding Turmeric to Your Cookies

Are you already a fan of turmeric’s vibrant color and potent benefits? I certainly am! This golden spice is a staple in my kitchen, frequently making its way into savory dishes like my loaded tofu scrambles, infusing warmth into my morning oatmeal, and adding an earthy kick to various dressings. But have you ever ventured to incorporate this powerhouse spice into your desserts?

The inspiration for these unique cookies struck me a few years back, after stumbling upon a recipe for turmeric cookies by Fit Mitten Kitchen. I was immediately intrigued by the concept and knew I had to create my own rendition. What I love most about turmeric in these cookies is the subtle yet distinct spicy bite it adds. This warming undertone harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of dark chocolate, creating a surprisingly sophisticated flavor profile that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Fear not, turmeric skeptics! The amount of turmeric used in this recipe is carefully balanced to enhance, not overwhelm. These cookies absolutely will not taste like mustard. Instead, you’ll experience a gentle, earthy warmth that elevates the rich chocolate flavor. If you’re still a bit apprehensive, I encourage you to try halving the turmeric to 1 teaspoon (half of what I used) for your initial batch. This glowing introduction to turmeric in dessert might just convert you into a true believer!

Key Ingredients for Your Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Crafting these extraordinary Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that are both wholesome and delicious. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather:

• **Ground Flaxseed Meal:** To create our essential “flax egg,” acting as a perfect plant-based binder.
• **Creamy Cashew Butter:** The star of the show, providing richness and moisture without any added oils. Ensure it’s fresh and creamy for the best texture.
• **Pure Maple Syrup:** Our natural sweetener, keeping these cookies free from refined sugars while adding a lovely depth of flavor.
• **Fine Almond Flour:** The gluten-free and grain-free base that gives these cookies their wonderfully tender crumb.
• **Turmeric Powder:** The golden spice that infuses these cookies with their unique flavor and anti-inflammatory properties.
• **Ground Cinnamon:** A touch of cinnamon beautifully complements the turmeric and chocolate, adding an extra layer of warmth.
• **Baking Powder:** To ensure our cookies rise perfectly and achieve that desirable soft, chewy texture.
• **Hu Kitchen Salty Dark Chocolate Bars:** My absolute favorite for creating rich, indulgent chocolate chunks. Their clean ingredients are unmatched.

That’s it! Simple, nourishing ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Crafting Your Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bake? Here’s how to bring these amazing cookies to life in your kitchen:

1. **Prepare Your Workspace:** 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. **Whip Up Your Flax Egg:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of filtered water. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to gel and achieve an egg-like consistency. This “flax egg” is crucial for binding our grain-free dough.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Once your flax egg is ready, add in the creamy cashew butter and maple syrup to the same bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and smooth. For the best results, I highly recommend using a freshly opened jar of creamy cashew butter. Its pliable texture will ensure the batter mixes beautifully, creating a consistent and delicious dough.

4. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Next, gently sift in the almond flour, turmeric powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of the spices. Stir all the ingredients together until just combined. The batter will be noticeably thick and sticky – don’t worry, this is exactly the texture we’re aiming for!
5. **A Note on Color:** Don’t be alarmed if your cookie batter isn’t a vibrant turmeric yellow at this stage. The beautiful golden hue will intensify and truly come to life after baking, giving your cookies that irresistible glow.

Choosing the Perfect Chocolate for Your Chunks

Now for the best part – the chocolate! Carefully fold in your chopped dark chocolate chunks and mix gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the thick cookie dough.

For these cookies, I exclusively use Hu Kitchen Salty Dark Chocolate bars. These aren’t just any chocolate bars; they’re a game-changer! Their vegan dark chocolate, with a perfect hint of sea salt, is incredibly addictive and makes these cookies truly special. I particularly adore that Hu Kitchen crafts their chocolate without any unnecessary oils, refined sugars, emulsifiers, or soy, keeping the ingredients exceptionally clean and pure. For this recipe, I typically use two bars to achieve the optimal amount of glorious chocolate chunks.

You have full creative control over how you chop your chocolate. For a rustic, chunky feel, you can break them haphazardly with your hands. If you prefer more uniform pieces, a cutting board and a sharp knife will do the trick. The goal is simply to have plenty of rich dark chocolate in every single bite!

Once the chocolate is thoroughly mixed in, use a cookie scoop (or two spoons) to portion the dough into roughly 1.5 to 2 tablespoon-sized balls. Place these onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring a little space between each. Then, gently press down on each dough ball with your hands or the flat bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them into round discs.

For that extra touch of gourmet appeal, feel free to top the cookies with a few additional chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of flaky Himalayan sea salt. Gently press any extra chocolate into the surface of the cookies to make sure they adhere beautifully during baking.

**Baking to Perfection:** Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 14-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly browned and the bottoms are a lovely golden hue.

**The Cooling Process is Key:** Carefully remove the cookies from the oven. This is an important note: they will appear quite soft and possibly undercooked when you first pull them out. Resist the urge to move them too soon! Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-30 minutes. During this time, they will continue to firm up and achieve that perfect chewy-on-the-inside, slightly crisp-on-the-outside texture. Patience is a virtue when it comes to perfect cookies!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are truly a unique and satisfying dessert. Because they are meticulously crafted to be gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, oil-free, and refined-sugar-free, they are an absolute dream to share with everyone, accommodating a wide range of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

The thoughtful addition of turmeric not only provides a stunning golden color but also infuses these treats with wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, making them a dessert you can feel genuinely good about enjoying. I particularly love serving mine as an afternoon pick-me-up or a wholesome after-dinner treat, perfectly paired with a tall, cold glass of your favorite nut milk for a comforting and complete experience.

Should you find yourself without cashew butter, don’t fret! This recipe is forgiving. Any creamy nut or seed butter you have on hand will work beautifully as a substitute, though the flavor profile may shift slightly. Experiment and find your favorite!

For optimal freshness, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to one week. For longer-term enjoyment, these cookies also freeze wonderfully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be ready for whenever a craving strikes!

More Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookie Inspiration

If you’ve fallen in love with these wholesome, plant-based cookies, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a whole world of similar treats to explore! Here are some other delightful vegan chocolate chunk cookie recipes from my kitchen you might enjoy:

• Flourless Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Almond Butter Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Dark Chocolate Chunk Muesli Snack Cookies

• Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Salted Cashew Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Tahini Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

I Want to Hear From You!

If you decide to bake these irresistible Turmeric Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes.

Please take a moment to leave a comment, a rating, and a review below to share your thoughts.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations. I love seeing what you bake!

For more plant-based inspiration and healthy recipes, check out my Pinterest page, where you can pin this recipe and many others to make later.

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XO Lauren

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