Delicious crispy quinoa cacao cookies arranged on a plate, ready to enjoy.

Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies You’ll Crave – No-Bake Delight

ByJOHN
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Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love, especially since they are no-bake! If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious indulgence, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Using wholesome ingredients like coconut butter, sunflower seed butter, and unsweetened cacao powder, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide essential nutrients. They are gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious snack without compromising flavor or texture. The use of puffed quinoa gives these cookies a tasty crunch, while the combination of coconut and cacao brings rich flavors that are simply irresistible. Plus, making them takes just a few minutes, so you can whip up a batch whenever the craving hits!

How to Make Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies

Creating these scrumptious cookies is easy and straightforward. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip these up in your kitchen. With simple steps, you’ll find yourself enjoying homemade cookies in no time.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup Coconut Butter (Can substitute with coconut oil.)
  2. 1/2 cup Sunflower Seed Butter (Nut-free option.)
  3. 1/3 cup Maple Syrup (Use pure maple syrup.)
  4. 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cacao Powder (Cacao preferred for nutrients.)
  5. 1 pinch Salt (Use to taste.)
  6. 2 cups Puffed Quinoa (Look for pre-puffed options.)

Directions:

  1. Prepare Your Tools: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You will need a mixing bowl, a spatula, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  2. Mix the Butters: In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of coconut butter and 1/2 cup of sunflower seed butter. Stir the two ingredients together until they are well combined. If you are using coconut oil instead of coconut butter, melt it slightly before mixing it with the sunflower seed butter.

  3. Add Maple Syrup: Pour in 1/3 cup of maple syrup into the butter mixture. This will give your cookies a natural sweetness and stickiness that is essential for holding everything together. Mix it thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

  4. Incorporate Cacao: Now, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cacao powder to the mixture. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Stir until everything is fully combined. The dough should be thick and chocolatey.

  5. Stir in Puffed Quinoa: Finally, gently fold in the 2 cups of puffed quinoa. Make sure that the quinoa is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You want each bite to have that delightful crunch!

  6. Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out the mixture and form it into small balls or cookie shapes. Place them on the lined baking sheet. Press them down slightly to make them more cookie-like.

  7. Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies firm up, making them easier to eat and giving them the perfect texture.

  8. Enjoy: After chilling, your Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

How to Serve Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Served straight from the refrigerator, they provide an excellent snack any time of the day. You can pair them with a glass of cold almond milk for a satisfying treat or crumble them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast or dessert. If you’re feeling creative, add a scoop of ice cream on top of a cookie and enjoy a simple cookie sundae! They are also perfect to take to gatherings or picnics as everyone loves a sweet homemade snack.

How to Store Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help them maintain their crispy texture and prevent them from becoming too soft. They can typically last for up to a week, but we doubt they will last that long! For longer storage, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together, and they will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies

  • Customize Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup, depending on your preference. For a sweeter treat, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

  • Texture Control: If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can double the amount of puffed quinoa. This will give your cookies an even more satisfying bite.

  • Storage Tips: If you live in a warm climate, keep your cookies in the fridge to avoid them melting or getting too soft. They are best enjoyed chilled!

  • Experiment with Add-ins: If you want to add some variety, consider mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even a handful of nuts for added crunch.

Variation

If you want to change up the flavors, here are a couple of variations to consider:

  1. Nutty Chocolate Cookies: Substitute the sunflower seed butter with almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty flavor. Just make sure you’re not serving them to someone with a nut allergy!

  2. Spiced Cookies: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your cookie mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cacao.

  3. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Stir in some vegan chocolate chips to the mixture before forming the cookies for a double chocolate treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular chocolate instead of cacao powder?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder, but remember that cacao powder is less processed and contains more nutrients. If you choose cocoa powder, opt for unsweetened and adjust the sweetness if needed.

2. Is it possible to use another sweetener besides maple syrup?

Absolutely! You can use agave syrup or honey for a different type of sweetness. However, note that honey is not vegan, so consider this based on your dietary preferences.

3. Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Yes, using sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative. You can also use pumpkin seed butter if you prefer. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure no cross-contamination with nuts.

4. What happens if I don’t have puffed quinoa available?

If you can’t find puffed quinoa, you can puff quinoa at home easily! Rinse and dry the quinoa, then toast it in a pan until it pops. Alternatively, you can use rice cereal as a substitute for the puffed quinoa.

5. How do I know when the cookies are finished setting?

The cookies will be firm to touch and hold their shape after chilling. They will still be a little soft when you first take them out but will firm up in the fridge. Always do a quick taste test to ensure the texture is to your liking!

By following this guide, you can create your very own Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies that are not only delicious but also nutritious. This healthy snack will surely become a staple in your home for those moments when you crave something sweet but want to keep it wholesome. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful no-bake treat with your family and friends!

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Crispy Quinoa Cacao Cookies

Print Recipe

Delightful no-bake cookies made with wholesome ingredients like coconut butter, sunflower seed butter, and cacao powder, perfect for a healthy indulgence.

  • Author: hbibamine1980
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Healthy
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Coconut Butter (Can substitute with coconut oil)
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Seed Butter (Nut-free option)
  • 1/3 cup Maple Syrup (Use pure maple syrup)
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cacao Powder (Cacao preferred for nutrients)
  • 1 pinch Salt (Use to taste)
  • 2 cups Puffed Quinoa (Look for pre-puffed options)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Tools: Gather your ingredients and tools, including a mixing bowl, spatula, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Butters: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of coconut butter and 1/2 cup of sunflower seed butter until well combined.
  3. Add Maple Syrup: Pour in 1/3 cup of maple syrup into the mixture and mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Incorporate Cacao: Stir in 1/2 cup of unsweetened cacao powder and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
  5. Stir in Puffed Quinoa: Gently fold in 2 cups of puffed quinoa, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  6. Shape the Cookies: Scoop out the mixture and form small balls or cookie shapes, pressing them down slightly.
  7. Chill to Set: Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up the cookies.
  8. Enjoy: Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator or incorporate into other dishes as desired.

Notes

Customize the sweetness and texture to your preference. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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