Delicious & Healthy Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Prepare to be amazed! These chocolate chip chickpea cookies are so incredibly delicious, they will fool even the most discerning palates. No one will ever guess that the secret ingredient behind their delightful texture and rich flavor is humble chickpeas! Perfect for those seeking a healthier treat, these cookies are not only packed with goodness but are also naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them a fantastic option for a wide range of dietary needs.

This delightful recipe was originally shared on January 5, 2019, and has been thoughtfully updated with fresh photos and enhanced information on June 13, 2022, to provide you with the best possible baking experience.

What Exactly are Chickpea Cookies?

Chickpea cookies, often referred to as garbanzo bean cookies, are a revolutionary twist on the classic cookie. Instead of relying on traditional flour as their base, these ingenious treats use pureed chickpeas. While the idea of chickpeas in a sweet dessert might initially sound unconventional, trust us when we say the result is nothing short of amazing! These cookies boast an incredibly soft and wonderfully chewy texture, just like your favorite chocolate chip cookies, but with the added benefits of protein and fiber naturally found in chickpeas. They are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet indulgence with a nutritious boost.

Why This Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try

This particular chocolate chip chickpea cookie recipe isn’t just a clever alternative; it’s a truly superior option for many reasons. The magic lies in how the chickpeas provide essential structure and moisture, compensating for the absence of traditional flour. This unique foundation is what gives these cookies their incredible soft, chewy, and satisfying texture, ensuring they don’t fall apart or become dry.

Beyond their amazing taste and texture, these cookies offer significant health benefits. They are notably lower in refined sugar compared to conventional chocolate chip cookies, making them a more wholesome choice. Crucially, they are also naturally gluten-free, catering to individuals with gluten sensitivities or those simply looking to reduce their gluten intake. Furthermore, this recipe is entirely vegan-friendly, free from dairy and eggs, aligning with plant-based diets without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of these garbanzo bean cookies is their sheer simplicity. The entire dough comes together effortlessly in a food processor or a high-powered blender. This means no lengthy creaming of butter and sugar, no multiple bowls to wash, and significantly less mess. It’s a truly convenient recipe that delivers gourmet results with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick treat.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chickpea Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Chickpeas – The star of our show! Use one 15oz (400g) can of chickpeas. It’s absolutely vital to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any residual liquid, which can affect the taste and texture of your cookies.
• Gluten-Free Oats – Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, are preferred here. They add a lovely chewiness and help bind the dough. If you don’t have gluten sensitivity, regular old-fashioned oats work just fine. Do not use instant oats as they have a different texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – This provides a wonderful, mild molasses flavor and contributes to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies. You can also use granulated sugar, or create your own light brown sugar by mixing granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses (about 1 tbsp molasses per cup of granulated sugar).
• Salt – A small amount of fine salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie. Don’t skip it!
• Baking Soda – This is a key leavening agent that reacts with the apple cider vinegar to help the cookies rise and become airy. Without it, your cookies would be too dense.
• Cinnamon – Just a pinch of ground cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile, complementing the chocolate beautifully without overpowering it.
• Maple Syrup – Opt for pure maple syrup for its natural sweetness and distinct flavor. Avoid imitation or pancake syrups, as they contain artificial ingredients and won’t yield the same results. Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives, but remember that honey is not considered vegan.
• Light Olive Oil – Choose a light olive oil or any other neutral-flavored oil, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. It adds essential moisture and helps create the perfect cookie consistency without imparting a strong flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor. You can also use vanilla bean paste for an even richer vanilla experience in this chickpea cookie recipe.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – This is an indispensable ingredient that activates the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that make the cookies light and tender as they bake.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips – Whether you prefer regular or mini chocolate chips, ensure they are vegan-friendly. Dark chocolate chips are often dairy-free, but always double-check the ingredient list on the packaging to confirm they meet your dietary requirements.
• Flaky Sea Salt – An optional but highly recommended garnish! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful textural contrast.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies

Making these healthy and delicious cookies is incredibly straightforward, especially with the help of a food processor or high-powered blender. Follow these steps to achieve perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet. Begin by preheating your oven to 340°F (180°C). While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Set the prepared baking sheet aside for later.

Step 2: Blend the Cookie Dough Base. Into the bowl of your food processor or high-powered blender, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, gluten-free oats, light brown sugar, fine salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, pure maple syrup, light olive oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Process these ingredients until you achieve a completely smooth and uniform cookie dough. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is fully incorporated and there are no large chickpea chunks remaining. The dough should be thick and consistent.

Step 3: Incorporate the Chocolate Chips. Once your dough is perfectly smooth, gently stir in the vegan chocolate chips. Remember to reserve about a ¼ cup of chocolate chips – these will be used to garnish the tops of the cookies just before baking, giving them that irresistible bakery-style appearance.

Step 4: Form and Bake the Cookies. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop portions of the chickpea cookie dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Since this dough is a bit softer than traditional cookie dough, use a wet spoon or slightly wet fingers to gently flatten each cookie mound. This helps them spread evenly during baking. Press a few of the reserved chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie for extra visual appeal. Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring or eating. Cooling is key for them to set properly and develop their full, chewy texture.

Recipe Pro-Tips for Perfect Chickpea Cookies

Achieving the best possible chickpea cookies is easy with a few expert tips:

• Rinse and Drain Chickpeas Thoroughly: This step is non-negotiable! Ensure you drain the chickpeas completely and rinse them very well under cold running water. The liquid in the can, known as aquafaba, has a distinct flavor and can significantly alter the texture and taste of your cookies if not removed. Rinse until there are no suds.
• Blend Until the Dough is Silky Smooth: For cookies that truly mimic the texture of classic soft-baked cookies, it’s crucial to process the chickpea mixture until the dough is entirely smooth. Any remaining chickpea chunks can give your cookies a slightly grainy texture, which we want to avoid for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Cool the Cookie Dough Before Adding Chocolate Chips: The friction from processing in a food processor or blender can warm up the dough. To prevent your chocolate chips from melting prematurely into the dough before baking, allow the dough to cool down a bit. You can pop it into the fridge for 10-15 minutes if it feels too warm.
• Do Not Skip the Chocolate Chips: While chickpeas add a unique base, the dough itself isn’t overly sweet. The vegan chocolate chips are essential for providing that delightful burst of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible. They also contribute significantly to the soft and chewy texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Chickpea cookies tend to be softer than traditional flour-based cookies. They might still look slightly underbaked when you pull them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
• Allow for Complete Cooling: Patience is a virtue here! While it’s tempting to dive into warm cookies, these chickpea cookies need to cool completely to achieve their optimal chewy texture and for the chickpea flavor to fully dissipate. This is where the magic happens and they truly transform into delicious “regular” cookies.

Creative Cookie Mix-Ins and Variations

While classic chocolate chips are always a hit, these chickpea cookies are incredibly versatile and can be customized with various mix-ins to suit your preferences:

• Chocolate Chips – Feel free to experiment with different types! Besides semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life, which is a great vegan option), you can use vegan milk chocolate or white chocolate chips. Always remember to scrutinize the packaging to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
• M&Ms – If you love the colorful crunch of M&Ms, you can certainly add them in place of or in addition to chocolate chips. However, traditional M&Ms are not vegan due to dairy. For a vibrant, plant-based alternative, look for vegan-friendly brands such as Little Secrets or No Whey, which offer similar coated chocolate candies.
• Dried Fruit – For a fruitier twist, consider adding dried fruits like plump raisins, tangy dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots. If you opt for dried fruit, avoid placing them on top of the cookies before baking, as they tend to burn and become rock hard in the oven. Mix them directly into the dough instead.
• Nuts – If you prefer a less sweet mix-in and some added crunch, chopped nuts are an excellent choice. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even cashews can add a wonderful texture and earthy flavor that pairs well with the subtle sweetness of the cookie. Ensure nuts are finely chopped if you prefer a smoother cookie.
• Shredded Coconut: A sprinkle of shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted) can add a tropical flair and interesting texture.
• Citrus Zest: For a bright, fresh flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon, orange, or lime zest to the dough. It brightens the overall taste beautifully.

Storage Directions for Optimal Freshness

To enjoy these vegan chickpea cookies at their best, proper storage is key:

These delicious cookies are best enjoyed on the day they are made. Their texture is perfectly soft and chewy when fresh from the oven and fully cooled. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain good for about 2 to 3 days. Be aware that the longer they sit, the edges and bottoms may become softer than when freshly baked, but they will still be delicious.

Freezing Leftover Cookies for Later Enjoyment

If you anticipate storing these cookies for longer than 3 days, freezing is an excellent option to preserve their freshness. Once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, you can reheat them directly from frozen in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C for 5-10 minutes) or gently warm them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until soft and chewy again. This method allows you to enjoy freshly warmed cookies anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chickpea Cookies

Discover More Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookie Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with these chickpea chocolate chip cookies, you’ll be thrilled to explore other fantastic gluten-free and vegan cookie recipes:

• For a more traditional cookie experience with a classic flavor, be sure to try these amazing gluten-free chocolate chip cookies!
• If you enjoy warm spices, these chai cookies offer another delightful twist on chickpea-based treats, enhanced with fragrant spices and creamy white chocolate chips.
• For those who adore cookies with a delicious surprise in the middle, explore my gluten-free thumbprint cookies, zesty vegan lemon curd cookies, or the indulgent chocolate marshmallow cookies!
• Planning for the holidays? This gluten-free Christmas cookie recipe is incredibly easy to make, beautifully festive, and utterly delicious. The harmonious blend of vanilla with a hint of peppermint will instantly put you in the holiday spirit!