Chickpea “Cookie Dough” Recipe
If you think cookie dough is just a guilty pleasure reserved for sneaky spoonfuls before baking, wait until you try this Chickpea “Cookie Dough” that tastes like the real deal but is packed with wholesome ingredients. This delightful recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a creamy, rich, and indulgent treat that’s both vegan and unexpectedly nutritious. Whether you want a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this Chickpea “Cookie Dough” brings the magic of cookie dough in a healthy, guilt-free form that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a beautiful simplicity to the ingredients in this recipe that’s key to its success. Each component contributes something special—from the creamy texture to the perfect sweetness and that irresistible cookie dough flavor.
- Chickpeas: The star ingredient that gives this dough its creamy texture and protein punch while keeping it plant-based.
- Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that balances the flavors without overpowering them.
- All-Purpose Flour: Binds everything together to get that classic cookie dough firmness.
- Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: For those irresistible bursts of melty chocolate within every bite.
- Peanuts: Adds crunch and an extra layer of nutty goodness to each bite.
How to Make Chickpea “Cookie Dough”
Step 1: Blend the Base
Start by draining your chickpeas thoroughly to avoid excess moisture and add them to a powerful blender along with peanut butter, maple syrup, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides or using the tamper if your blender has one. This blending process transforms the chickpeas into a luscious, dough-like consistency that’s the foundation for our Chickpea “Cookie Dough.”
Step 2: Stir in the Mix-Ins
Once the base is smooth and velvety, transfer it into a bowl and gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips and peanuts. These mix-ins add delightful texture and that classic cookie dough touch we all adore. The contrast between smooth dough and crunchy peanuts with pockets of melty chocolate makes every bite a treat.
Step 3: Form the Dough Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. This step not only makes the dough easy to eat by hand but also perfect for portion control. Place them on a tray and chill if you want a firmer texture or enjoy immediately for a soft, chewy experience.
How to Serve Chickpea “Cookie Dough”
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to your Chickpea “Cookie Dough” is simple and fun. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to boost flavor complexity, or dust with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate touch. Toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted peanut butter also make fantastic toppings that invite endless experimenting.
Side Dishes
This Chickpea “Cookie Dough” pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments. Serve it alongside fresh berries for a burst of freshness, or scoop it onto coconut milk ice cream to create an effortless vegan sundae. A tall glass of almond milk complements the nuttiness perfectly and makes for a nostalgic, comforting pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, present the Chickpea “Cookie Dough” in mini mason jars layered with vegan whipped cream and crushed nuts. Or, use it as a filling in vegan crepes or as a dip for apple slices and pretzels. The possibilities are endless and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get a taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chickpea “Cookie Dough” in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and chewy. It will last for up to five days, making it a perfect ready-to-eat snack for busy days or unexpected sweet cravings.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Chickpea “Cookie Dough” for longer, freezing is a great option. Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can keep for up to three months, and you can thaw individual portions as needed.
Reheating
Reheating is minimal because this Chickpea “Cookie Dough” shines best cold or at room temperature. Just let frozen dough balls thaw in the fridge or on the counter for a few minutes before digging in. If you prefer a softer texture, a few seconds in the microwave works wonders without changing the flavor.
FAQs
Is Chickpea “Cookie Dough” safe to eat raw?
Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t use raw eggs or raw flour, making it perfectly safe and delicious to eat raw, just like your favorite cookie dough.
Can I substitute peanut butter for another nut butter?
Yes, feel free to swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile while keeping the creamy texture intact.
What if I want it gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make this Chickpea “Cookie Dough” suitable for gluten-free diets.
How sweet is this Chickpea “Cookie Dough”?
The sweetness is pleasantly balanced, thanks to pure maple syrup. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, adding more for a sweeter treat or less for a more subtle dessert.
Can I use canned chickpeas straight from the can?
Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly—but make sure to drain and rinse them well to reduce any canning liquid taste and achieve the right dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chickpea “Cookie Dough” is such a joyful discovery, turning pantry staples into an indulgent yet wholesome treat that feels like a secret indulgence. Whether you’re vegan, health-conscious, or just a cookie dough lover, this recipe invites you to dive into spoonfuls of creamy, nutty, chocolate-studded goodness, guilt-free. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your new favorite snack to keep ready in the fridge for anytime cravings.
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Chickpea “Cookie Dough” Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie dough balls 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and healthy vegan chickpea cookie dough recipe that’s perfect for a guilt-free snack. This easy no-bake treat combines creamy peanut butter, sweet maple syrup, and chocolate chips with the unique texture of chickpeas to create a protein-packed dessert bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanuts
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup, or to taste
Instructions
- Blend Chickpeas and Wet Ingredients: Combine the drained chickpeas, peanut butter, pure maple syrup, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt in a powerful blender such as a Vitamix. Blend until smooth, using the tamper if needed to evenly mix the ingredients into a creamy dough.
- Mix in Add-ins: Transfer the blended mixture into a bowl, then fold in the vegan chocolate chips and peanuts evenly to distribute them throughout the cookie dough.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls. Place them on a plate or tray. These can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a firmer texture.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Adjust maple syrup amount based on your preferred sweetness.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Store cookie dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For added texture, try adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie dough ball (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chickpea cookie dough, vegan cookie dough, healthy cookie dough, no bake cookie dough, peanut butter cookie dough, protein snack
