Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

Quinoa is one of the most popular “superfoods” on the market. A grain crop that is grown for its nutritious seeds, quinoa is often mistaken for a grain because of how it is prepared. Quinoa is technically labeled as a pseudo-cereal however, meaning that it is a seed that is prepared and eaten like a grain. This makes quinoa acceptable for those who are gluten-intolerant. Check out our Thai quinoa salad here.

Naturally gluten-free, quinoa is also high in protein, fiber and numerous vitamins and minerals. One of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is considered to be a “complete” protein.

In just one cup of cooked quinoa there is:

• 222 calories
• 39 grams of carbohydrates
• 4 grams of fat
• 9 grams of protein
• 5 grams of fiber

It is also high in magnesium, B-vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and other antioxidants.

It might seem weird to put quinoa into chocolate chip cookies but the addition gives these chocolate chip quinoa cookies not only a fun texture, but also a boost of nutrition. Try them today and add a boost of superfood nutrition to your cookies!

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

Makes 3 dozen

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour (rolled oats ground into flour)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 eggs, whisked
• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix together the flour, rolled oats, quinoa, baking soda and sea salt in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, microwave the peanut butter, coconut oil and honey for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth.
4. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips until just incorporated.
6. Scoop cookies onto baking sheet by tablespoon. Flatten with your hand.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are starting to brown on top.