Desserts & Snacks / Healthy Snacks / Meal Prep

Double Chocolate Cookies

January 30, 2022

View recipe

Written by PAM ROCCA

Not only are these cookies really yummy they are also good for you too. Cacao has flavonols which are nutrient compounds found in plants, they benefit the body because they have antioxidant properties that promote heart healthy and fight off free radicals and certain cancers. On top of that cacao also contains the amino acid (the building blocks of protein) tryptophan, this amino acid sends a signal to your brain that helps you to relax. People often crave or turn to chocolate when they feel stressed and often it’s because sugar releases dopamine a neurotransmitter that sends a feel good hit to your brain and body, which helps you feel less stressed. The problem is that sugar is so addictive. That’s why I love creating and sharing recipes that can positively benefits you and your body.

Did you know that cacao powder is loaded with iron and magnesium? And that it also contains protein and is low in sugar?

Cacao is different from cocoa, Cacao is the raw unprocessed version of cocoa. Both have health benefits but it is better to stick with the unprocessed or raw version. Cacao can be a little bit more bitter and less sweet so it might take time getting use to it if you are a full on chocolate lover. I find when you reset your palate with real whole foods and do a sugar detox you will find that this recipe is just the right amount of sweetness. If you are looking to reduce your sugar intake check out my Sugar Detox in 10 Days Cookbook https://www.amazon.ca/Sugar-Detox-10-Days-Eliminate/dp/1646117522

Almond flour is made from ground almonds, you can buy it already in flour form or you can grind your almond to make flour if you have a high powder blender or food processor. Almond flour is used to make this recipe gluten-free and also because it’s really nutritious for the body. It contains protein, fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, copper and phosphorous. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that works as another antioxidant in your body, which again helps to fight against free radicals.

If you want to make this recipe nut free you can substitute the almond flour with oat flour (simply pulse oats in your high powered blender or food processor or you can buy oat flour). You will also need to substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or your favourite nut free butter, seed butters work well as a replacement.

The more plants you can get into each meal really helps to improve your gut microbiome, and when you have a healthy gut this really boost your immune system function and your mood.

This Recipe is:

– Dairy-free
– Gluten-Free
– Delicious
– A family favourite

The Recipe

Double Chocolate Cookies

Makes: 8 Cookies (this is a small batch if you want two trays double the recipes)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour

1/4 cup cacao powder

1 egg

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or your favourite chocolate)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl add almond flour, cacao powder, egg, peanut butter, maple syrup, and baking powder and stir well to combine. Add in your favourite chocolate or fixings, walnuts or pecans work well to lower sugar levels and add in healthy fats.
3. Bake for 12 minutes, let cool and enjoy.

If you make this recipe I would love to hear what you think in the comments below, or be sure to tag me in your pics or DM over on the socials @pam_rocca.