Oh you better believe it.
So I’ve had this mad craving for a Betty Crocker chocolate brownie. You know, those ones that you make from the boxed mix, and are untouchable, even by the homemade variety?! Yeah, those. Well I refused to succumb to those sinful sugar bombs.. so instead I made these babies.. then ate 3.
Sometimes I think I should just eat the damn brownie.
But then! I remember that these particular cookies are made with healthy ingredients! With actual nutritional value! Instead of corn syrup, these are sweetened with pureed raisins or dates, which boast an impressive nutritional profile in comparison to other sweeteners. Instead of wheat flour, these are made with ground almonds, which contain healthy fats, fibre, and protein. Instead of partially hydrogenated soybean and/or cottonseed oil (eek!), these are made with avocado, which is another amazing source of healthy fats, fibre, and potassium! Combine these nutrient dense ingredients with organic cacao powder, and high quality dark chocolate (we’ve gotta give a little!), and you have some INSANELY delicious, and HEALTHY cookies! Yes, these are considered straight up health food in my eyes. It helps me justify eating several at once. =)
Oh, and did I mention that they taste amazing too? The cookie by itself is not overwhelmingly sweet, but has a rich, decadent flavour, and unbelievably fudgy texture. The addition of the dark chocolate chips lends just the right amount of sweetness, and adds ooey gooey, melty goodness to every bite. Basically, these are a delectable, fudgy brownie, in a convenient cookie form. Craving crushed.
Make them now. Thank me later.
“Believe it or Not” Healthy Double Chocolate Cookies
Gluten free, grain free, sugar free, and dairy free (if made with dairy free chocolate chips)
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups almond meal (I grind my own in my Magic bullet)
1 cup cacao or cocoa powder
1½ teaspoon baking soda
1 ripe avocado
1 cup dates or raisins, pureed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
As many dark chocolate chips as you can possibly cram in there!
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
1. In a large bowl, mix together almond meal, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
2. Using a food processor or good quality blender, puree raisins or dates first, then blend in avocado, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
3. Combine wet ingredients into dry mixture. Mix until incorporated.
4. Add dark chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed.
5. Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for 9 minutes.
6. Eat one fresh out of the oven. Store remaining cookies in sealed container in the fridge or freezer.
*Note: These taste awesome both warm, or frozen. Yum!!
Recipe credit to my beautiful baby sister Kelynn!!
Cassandra Bakes 