This tasty peanut butter chickpea cookie dough is packed with protein and flavor! It’s a fun and healthy treat that you can eat raw, perfect for those snack cravings.
Who knew chickpeas could taste this sweet? I love making this when I’m looking for a guilt-free snack. Just mix, scoop, and enjoy—no baking needed! It’s cookie magic! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: These are the star of this cookie dough! Chickpeas provide a great source of protein and fiber. If you’re avoiding legumes, try using white beans for a similar texture and flavor.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter adds richness and depth. If you have allergies or want a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter also work well—each brings its own unique taste.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey lends sweetness. For a lower-calorie option, agave syrup or stevia can substitute, but start with a smaller amount as sweetness levels vary.
Oat Flour: This gives the dough structure. If you don’t have oat flour, simply blend rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground. Gluten-free oats ensure the dough remains gluten-free.
How Do I Make Smooth Cookie Dough Without a Food Processor?
Worried about not having a food processor? No problem! You can still make this cookie dough with a few adjustments.
- Start by mashing the chickpeas in a bowl with a fork until fairly smooth.
- Then, mix in peanut butter, sweetener, vanilla, and salt with a spatula or a strong wooden spoon.
- Once combined, gradually add the oat flour and mix until a dough forms.
- For those pesky lumps, just keep mixing until the dough reaches your desired consistency. It might take a little longer, but it’ll still be delicious!
Peanut Butter Chickpea Protein Cookie Dough
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)
- 1-2 tbsp plant-based protein powder (optional, for extra protein)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie dough takes about 10 minutes to prepare and no baking time at all! After mixing, you can enjoy it right away or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blending the Base:
Grab your food processor or high-speed blender and add the rinsed chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and salt. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides if needed. You want to ensure there are no chickpea lumps!
2. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Once you have a nice creamy mixture, add in the oat flour and protein powder if you’re using it. Pulse the blender or food processor just until these are incorporated, and the mixture thickens a bit to form a dough-like consistency.
3. Folding in the Chocolate Chips:
Transfer the cookie dough to a mixing bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep those delicious little chocolate pieces intact!
4. Scooping and Chilling:
You can scoop the cookie dough into small balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. If you prefer, you can just keep it in the bowl. Either way, it’s ready to be enjoyed! If you have time, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up a bit.
5. Serving and Storing:
This cookie dough can be served chilled or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy this delicious, protein-packed treat anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Can I Use Canned Chickpeas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe. Just remember to rinse and drain them well to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. This helps ensure a smoother dough!
How Can I Make This Cookie Dough Sweeter?
If you find the dough isn’t sweet enough for your taste, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup or honey, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness. Remember that flavors can intensify as it chills!
Can I Freeze This Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Simply scoop it into balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What Substitutes Can I Use for Peanut Butter?
If you have a nut allergy or just want to switch it up, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter! Each alternative brings a unique flavor, and they work well in this recipe too!
