Quinoa Cookies
If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious treat, you’re in the right place. These quirky quinoa cookies are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them a great snack or dessert option. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so they’re perfect for those with dietary restrictions. You’ll learn how to make these delightful cookies step by step and also discover some creative variations to suit your taste buds.
To start, gather your ingredients: quinoa, chocolate chips, plant-based milk, brown sugar, white sugar, canola oil, and a few pantry staples. Quinoa adds a unique texture and boosts the protein content, while chocolate chips provide that classic cookie flavor. Dairy-free milk keeps the cookies moist, and a combination of brown and white sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture. Canola oil binds everything together and ensures the cookies are soft and chewy.
For all of you quinoa-lovers out there, this recipe gives you one more way to enjoy this fabulous grain-like staple—one of our Top 15 Vegan Pantry Staples! Let’s get baking!
Why You Must Try These Quinoa Cookies
Curious about quinoa cookies? These delightful treats are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Here’s why these quinoa cookies are so awesome and why you should try baking a batch today:
- Packed with Protein. Quinoa is a complete protein, making these cookies a more nutritious treat. They help keep you full and energized.
- Gluten-Free Goodness. These cookies are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking to reduce gluten intake. Don’t miss out on these other scrumptious, gluten-free recipes!
- Deliciously Chewy. Quinoa gives the cookies a wonderful chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the melty chocolate chips. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Easy to Make. The recipe is simple and quick, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. You’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time!
- Customizable. Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Make these cookies uniquely yours every time you bake them.
- Healthier Treat. With quinoa and fewer refined ingredients, these cookies are a healthier option compared to traditional chocolate chip cookies. You can enjoy them without the guilt!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Making quinoa cookies is all about getting the ingredients just right. Knowing the key ingredients and their substitutes can make your baking adventures even more fun and delicious. Here are some easy ways to customize these cookies to your liking:
- Quinoa – This ingredient is a complete protein, making the cookies more nutritious. Quinoa also adds a unique, slightly chewy texture that enhances the cookies. You can substitute oats for a similar texture and added fiber or almond flour for a nutty flavor and additional protein.
- Chocolate Chips – Add sweetness and richness, making the cookies really irresistible. They create delightful little pockets of melted chocolate in each bite. Feel free to swap them out for raisins or dried fruit for a chewy, fruity alternative. Another great option is adding in nuts, which give a crunchy texture and added protein.
- Plant-Based Milk – Keeps the cookie dough moist, ensuring a soft texture. It also helps bind the ingredients together, especially in recipes that do not use eggs. For a simple alternative, you can use water, if you don’t have plant-based milk, but the flavor will not be as rich. Fruit juice is another option because it adds flavor as well as moisture.
- Canola Oil – Keeps the cookies moist and tender. This type of oil doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, letting the main flavors shine. But, if you don’t mind a slight coconut flavor and similar moisture, try coconut oil. Olive oil could also be used for the benefit of healthy fats, but the flavor with be slightly stronger.
- Sugar – Both sugars add the necessary sweetness to balance other flavors. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while white sugar contributes to a crispier texture. You can also substitute the sugars for coconut sugar, maple syrup or vegan honey, but remember to reduce the other liquids slightly.
How to Make Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies
Let’s dive into the kitchen and learn how to make delicious quinoa cookies! These cookies are not only easy to make but also a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, thanks to the protein-rich quinoa. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of tasty cookies that are perfect for snacking or dessert.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silpat.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, quinoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
This creates a fluffy and flavorful base for your cookies.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients – In a small bowl, mix canola oil, brown sugar, white sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract.
This mixture will add moisture and sweetness to your cookies.
Step 4: Fold and Bake – Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate – Add the chocolate chips to the mixture.
Gently stir to combine.
Step 6: Get Ready to Bake! Portion the dough into two tablespoon-sized balls, flatten slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool before indulging in their deliciousness!
Enjoy your delicious quinoa cookies!
FAQs
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is an ancient grain that originated with the Incas in the mountains of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru over 5,000 years ago.
Quinoa, a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, was first used to feed animals. People in Peru and Bolivia then started eating it, and now it’s incredibly popular worldwide. It’s also gluten-free. In the US, you can find white, red, and black quinoa. For this recipe, we suggest white quinoa because it has a milder taste and smoother texture than red or black quinoa.
To store leftover chocolate chip quinoa cookies, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Quinoa cookies typically last about 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
More Sweet or Nutty Vegan Dessert Recipes to Try
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Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies
Equipment
- Parchment Paper or silpat baking mat
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1⅓ cups unbleached white flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white quinoa, packed and cooled
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips, mini are ideal
Instructions
- Advance prep: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, or use day-old leftover quinoa that’s already cooked.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Mix together the quinoa, canola oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl.
- Fold together the wet and dry ingredients in the medium bowl, being careful not to overmix (to avoid tough cookies).
- Add the chocolate chips and fold in gently.
- Portion the cookie dough into two tablespoon balls, flattening slightly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or non-stick silpat.
- Bake until the cookies become golden on the edges, about 10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool before enjoying!
Notes
- For evenly sized, perfectly round cookies, use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to place the dough on a baking sheet, flatten gently with the bottom of a glass, and swirl a circular cookie cutter around the edges of each before baking.
- Cookies may be stored in a cool dry place for a few days, or in the freezer for many months.
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
What a cute cookie! I know I’d devour these so fast!!
These look so amazing if only I wasn’t allergic to pistachios!
In love with these cookies!!! The combination of sweet, tart lemon with nutty pistachio is heavenly. It’s so hard to stop eating these cookies – lol. Perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or just by themselves. Highly recommended!
I love lemon on ALL things sweet! Amazing cookies 🙂
I’m all about making traditionally unhealthy foods healthy!!
Oh wow! A truly healthy cookie!
These are delicious and guilt free!
I’ve had chocolate-covered quinoa before but have never had a quinoa cookie! And I love pistachios too! What a great recipe.