Vegan Gluten-Free Chickpea Flour Cookies

Irresistible Vegan Gluten-Free Chickpea Flour Cookies - Healthy Delights for Everyone!

Hello, cookie enthusiasts! Today, I'm sharing two delectable vegan cookie recipes that are gluten-free, sugar-free, and utterly delicious! These delightful treats are perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or those looking for healthier alternatives to classic cookies. The best part? Both recipes feature the versatile and nutritious chickpea flour as the star ingredient.

Health Benefits of Chickpea Flour:

Chickpea flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, is a versatile and nutritious gluten-free alternative to traditional flours. Packed with health benefits, incorporating chickpea flour into your diet can be a smart choice:

1. Rich in Protein: Chickpea flour is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a valuable option for vegans and vegetarians. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

2. Gluten-Free: As it is made from ground chickpeas, chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

3. High in Fiber: Fiber is crucial for digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Chickpea flour contains dietary fiber that aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

4. Packed with Essential Nutrients: Chickpea flour is a good source of various essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and B-vitamins, which support energy production, brain function, and overall well-being.

5. Lowers Glycemic Index: Compared to traditional wheat flour, chickpea flour has a lower glycemic index, leading to more stable blood sugar levels and reduced risk of blood sugar spikes.

How to Make Your Own Chickpea Flour:

Making chickpea flour at home is a straightforward and cost-effective process:

1. Ingredients: You'll need dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans) for this. Ensure they are free of moisture and any contaminants.

2. Preparation: Spread the dried chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn slightly golden and become fragrant. This helps remove any excess moisture and enhances the flavor.

3. Cooling: Let the roasted chickpeas cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

4. Grinding: Transfer the cooled roasted chickpeas to a high-powered blender or a food processor. Grind the chickpeas into a fine powder, resembling flour. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally.

5. Sifting: To achieve a smoother texture, sift the freshly ground chickpea flour through a fine-mesh sieve. Repeat the grinding and sifting process for any remaining coarse particles.

Top Brands of Chickpea Flour on the Market:

When shopping for chickpea flour, consider these reputable brands known for their quality and reliability:

1. Bob's Red Mill: This brand offers a wide range of gluten-free flours, including chickpea flour, known for its consistent quality and excellent flavor.

2. Anthony's Goods: Anthony's chickpea flour is well-loved by home bakers and chefs alike for its fine texture and nutty taste.

3. Hodgson Mill: Hodgson Mill's chickpea flour is made from premium-quality chickpeas, ensuring a smooth and rich flavor in your baked goods.

Remember to check the labels to ensure that the chickpea flour you choose is free of additives and preservatives for the best possible results in your recipes. Enjoy the health benefits and versatility of this fantastic flour in your cooking and baking adventures! 🌱🍪

Before you dive into your baking venture, take a quick peek into your pantry and ensure you have all the ingredients on hand. But fret not, for I've got you covered with a handy list of alternative options to suit your dietary needs. Discover the wholesome nutrition benefits of chickpea flour and other delightful ingredients that make our vegan chocolate chip and "sugar" cookies not only delicious but also a healthier treat for your sweet cravings! 🌱🍪

Ingredient Alternatives & Nutrition Benefits:

• Chickpea Flour: Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpea flour boosts the nutritional profile of these cookies.

• Raw Cacao Powder: A healthier alternative to regular cocoa powder, raw cacao is a good source of antioxidants and imparts a rich chocolate flavor.

• Coconut Oil: Provides healthy fats and imparts a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.

• Pure Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with beneficial minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, enhancing the cookies' taste and texture.

• Ripe Banana/Pumpkin Puree: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and vitamins, making the cookies tender and nutritious.

• Organic Cane Sugar: A less processed alternative to refined sugar, adding sweetness to the cookies.

• Dark Chocolate Chips: Packed with antioxidants and flavor, vegan dark chocolate chips create irresistible melty pockets of goodness.

• Raw Agave: A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, contributing to the cookies' delicious taste.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies without the need for almond extract.

So, let's dive into the kitchen and whip up some mouthwatering vegan chocolate chip cookies and "sugar" cookies that will leave you craving for more!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chickpea Flour and Raw Cacao:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour

• 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 3/8 cup pure maple syrup (1/4 cup + 1/8 cup)

• 1 ripe banana, mashed

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan and sugar-free)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, raw cacao powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, mashed banana, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

5. Fold in the vegan dark chocolate chips.

6. Take spoonfuls of the dough and form them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them with your fingers.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie, assuming 12 cookies in total):

(Note: The nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.)

• Calories: ~150 kcal

• Total Fat: ~7g

  • Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Sodium: ~70mg

• Total Carbohydrates: ~21g

  • Dietary Fiber: ~3g

  • Sugars: ~10g

• Protein: ~2g

Vegan "Sugar" Cookies with Chickpea Flour

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1 ripe banana, mashed (or 1/4 cup pumpkin puree)

• 1/4 cup + 1/8 cup organic cane sugar

• 1/4 cup raw agave

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, mashed banana (or pumpkin puree), organic cane sugar, raw agave, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

5. Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

6. Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness.

7. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden.

9. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie, assuming 12 cookies in total):

(Note: The nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.)

• Calories: ~130 kcal

• Total Fat: ~6g

  • Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Sodium: ~70mg

• Total Carbohydrates: ~19g

  • Dietary Fiber: ~2g

  • Sugars: ~7g

• Protein: ~2g

Conclusion:

Indulge in these delightful vegan cookies, whether you're craving the tender and naturally sweet "sugar" cookies made with wholesome chickpea flour, ripe banana, and organic cane sugar, or the heavenly chocolate chip cookies enriched with the richness of raw cacao and pure maple syrup, both are perfect guilt-free treats for any occasion. Share these scrumptious delights with friends and family and savor the natural goodness of these wholesome and delicious creations. So why wait? Bake a batch today and elevate your sweet cravings with these wholesome, plant-based delights! 🌱🍪

#VeganCookiesDelight when you recreate these recipes! Happy baking, everyone!