Who loves cookie dough? 🙋🏻‍♀️ As a kid, I’d secretly sneak handfuls in my mouth while baking, even despite the salmonella warnings from my mom.

As a registered dietitian, I love finding recipes that give us the best of both worlds- delicious nostalgic cookie dough that’s also packed with fiber, protein, healthy fat, and has no dairy and refined sugar. 🤯

Recently I’ve been asked about ‘what to do about holiday eating.’ It’s the beginning of the season for baked goods, cookies, hot sugary beverages, pies, and so.many.refined.treats.

This recipe is a great one to have on hand to quell the sugar cravings, and even bring with you to a potluck or dinner to share with others. Let people guess what the secret ingredient is. Bet they won’t guess it’s chickpeas!!

CHICKPEA COOKIE DOUGH

INGREDIENTS:
-1 15-oz can drained chickpeas
-1/4 c. creamy nut butter (use sunbutter for a nut-free version)
-1/4 c. oat flour or almond flour
-1/4 tsp. baking powder
-1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
-1/4 c. monkfruit sugar (this won’t raise blood sugar levels 🙌🏻), maple syrup is another option- sweeten to taste
-1/3 c. chocolate chips (Enjoy Life or Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chips are both dairy-free options)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Add all the ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth and fully combined.
2. Stir in the chocolate chips. Be generous. Like as generous as you are with someone you really, really love.
3. Refrigerate for best texture. Enjoy, and remember that treats can always be a part of the plan!