Monday, March 17, 2014

Flourless Chickpea Nut Butter & M&M Cookies




Yes, that says "chickpea cookies", and yes, that means there are chickpeas IN the cookies.  Call me adventurous, call me crazy - call me whatever you want.  I'm always looking for healthier versions of my favorite cookies, and this is definitely a cheap, tasty alternative that doesn't require expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.  Just 5 ingredients, folks.  That's it.  No flour, refined sugar, butter or eggs.  Plus, they deliver in terms of taste.  That's a necessity for me when it comes to flourless anything, since foods lacking traditional ingredients are usually also lacking in flavor or texture (or both).

Which brings me to my next point:  Use a good blender or food processor, and you won't notice the "chickpea" texture.  You definitely won't notice the chickpea taste.  The cookies are soft and will stay soft, but aren't as crumbly as you might think they'd be.  They keep in the refrigerator for several days, but are still best when eaten the day they are made.  I have numerous, random experiences with GF baking, and these puppies have landed in my top 3 favorite GF cookie recipes.  Live on the wild side and give them a try - I think you might be pleasantly surprised!

Chickpea Nut Butter M&M Cookies
(Recipe adapted from My Whole Food Life)

1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. nut butter (I used Wow Butter soybean butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 to 3/4 cup M&Ms

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Blend chickpeas, nut butter and honey until smooth.  Stir in baking powder.  Roll into balls and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Press a few M&Ms into each cookie.  Bake for approx. 15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned (on the top and bottom of the cookie) and slightly cracked on the edges.

Recipe makes approximately 15 cookies.