Want to bake a simple and guilt-free dessert or snack? Try this dark chocolate and chia seed cookies recipe!
Cookies aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you say healthy foods. But it’s hard not to give in to the temptation of eating cookies, right? Especially when it’s dark chocolate cookies. I mean, how can you say no to soft and chewy cookies?
But what if I tell you that you can enjoy chocolate cookies without feeling guilty?
Yes, it is possible! This dark chocolate and chia seed cookies recipe that I will share is delicious and healthy thanks to the use of chia seeds.
Plus, we are using raw cocoa powder which benefits to our health.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds are so small that no one can blame you if you think they’re not that nutritious. But you will be surprised to learn that these seeds are packed with nutrients.
Chia seeds are colored black. It has a mild and nutty flavor. They’re not that hard to find. In fact, you can go to any major grocery store, and chances are you’ll be able to buy a pack or so.
This food has been around since time immemorial. In fact, early civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans are said to have used chia seeds. Chia supposedly nourished ancient warriors during battles and hunting expeditions.
These days, chia seeds are used in different ways. They can be eaten raw. Cooked chia seeds can be added to baked goods such as bread, muffins, and cookies. You can also sprinkle them on cereals, yogurt, and smoothies.
What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
They may be small, but chia seeds are certainly not wanting in nutrients.
Chia seeds are superfoods that are high in fiber. One ounce serving of this food contains about 11.2 grams of fiber. That’s nearly half of the recommended daily fiber intake of women aged 50 years and above.
Because it is high in fiber, chia seeds can promote regular bowel movement. Eating this dark chocolate and chia seed cookies that I am to share with you should make you more regular.
Aside from that benefit, incorporating chia seeds into your diet can prove to be beneficial to your heart in the long run. Increasing fiber intake can lower your blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels.
Fiber can also promote a stronger immune system, and in turn lower the risks of various conditions like diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
What are the health benefits of raw cocoa powder?
People tend to label chocolate and its associated ingredients such as raw cocoa powder as unhealthy foods. While chocolate certainly won’t help you achieve a slim waistline, it has some health benefits, too. And raw cocoa powder from which chocolate is made of is responsible for these health benefits.
A tablespoon of raw cocoa powder is rich in iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Iron has an important role in the production of red blood cells. It also boosts our immune system, something that zinc also does. Meanwhile, magnesium aids in energy production while manganese aids in metabolizing nutrients.
How to make dark chocolate and chia seed cookies
Now that you’re convinced that this dark chocolate and chia seed cookies I am about to share with you aren’t that bad of a snack to have. Let’s go to the recipe itself.
This recipe is easy to do as it would only take you around 20 minutes to finish it. You should be able to get 12 servings out of it.
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons of coconut flour
- One and a half cup of almond meal
- One-half teaspoon of baking soda
- One-fourth cup of raw cacao powder
- One tablespoon of chia seeds
- One-fourth teaspoon of salt
- One-fourth cup of peanuts, chopped
- One egg, whisked
- Two vanilla beans, scraped
- One-third cup of melted rice malt syrup
- One-fourth cup of coconut oil
Step by step guide
- Start by preheating the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then line a baking tray with baking paper.
- In a bowl, mix the almond meal with baking soda, coconut flour, cacao powder, salt and chia seeds. Stir well.
- Mix the lightly whisked egg with coconut oil and rice malt syrup. Add vanilla then pour the mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir well until combined.
- Place spoonfuls of this mixture on the tray with equal spaces in between. Press down each spoonful to flatten.
- Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes. The cookies should be soft when you remove them from the oven. You can also bake them for a few more minutes if you like the cookies to be crunchy.
Conclusion
This cookie won’t make you lose weight, but who cares, right? The presence of chia seeds at least gives you one good reason not to feel guilty about eating this cookie. And as long as you keep things in moderation, then you should not feel bad at all when you get a serving or two of this mouthwatering tasty treat.
What do you think of this recipe? Let me hear your thoughts by leaving comments in the section below.
About The Author
Susan is the owner of the blog cookthestone.com. She likes cooking and blogging, so most of her time is in the kitchen. You will see how she is passionate about her blog to share useful information with more readers. Let’s encourage her by leaving your comments below. She will appreciate that.
Wow this looks so delicious i like to try this recipe i love chocolate cookies
Just what I need. I love cookies but I always feel guilty after eating one or two: actually I feel like I’ve gained 2kgs.
This looks so yummy and it has chia seeds. One day when I am in hermanus please bring me some Lynne. I can’t bake to save my life.
Simple easy abd looks delicious .kids will enjoy abd ask more ..thank you
Absolutely adore your recipes lynne, you make even the simplist things look good
Oooh yummy thank you for sharing