Tuesday 27 May 2014

Chocolate Chip 'Everything Free' PROTEIN Cookies







Stop everything!

I mean it!

Now come here...Closer....Closer...CLOSER.

Too close.

These are the healthy cookies to end all other healthy cookies! They stack up *pun intended* against other not so healthy cookies, and leave them wanting!


A good chocolate chip cookie should be warm, delicious, chocolaty and leaving you wanting MORE. Check, check and CHECK. These are moist, soft, and melt in your mouth good.

And these are soft. Like little magical puffy protein clouds of joy!

I was writing the recipe hoping and PRAYING that something even similar to a cookie would be the result. I learned from my previous errors and am left with the most delicious and beautiful cookie a girl could want.

This girl, of course loves her : protein, gluten free goods and sugar-free options--and so...I present to you: The Chocolate Chip 'Everything Free' Protein Cookie!













Dense, satisfying and insanely decadent. But wait...what's that?

Speak up little cookies?












You say you taste like you're so calorie dense but you only have 123 calories? Even though I made you much too large because I was lazy and couldn't wait? WHAT? And you are low in fat and high in fibre? Slow down little cookie, my heart is about to explode!














I can't even take it. I need some almond milk and a cookie to get my blood pressure back up high enough to show you the recipe!






Chocolate Chip 'Everything Free' Protein Cookies

Yields 16-20 Cookies
Allergens: Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan Option 


Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose gluten free flour 
  • 1 cup brown rice protein* (SunWarrior is my preferred brand--it's Vegan!)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or other add-ins (nuts, dried fruit, etc)
  • 3 packets Truvia (or other Stevia sweetener packets)
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dates, pitted, soaked** 
  • 1/4 almond milk 
*If not using SunWarrior, you may consider adding xanthan gum
**Soaking dates helps them plump up. Soak in hot water for a few minutes and then drain before use
***Vegan? Use flax eggs instead of eggs and use double the applesauce!

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  2. Mix the first 4 ingredients (flour, protein, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl and set aside
  3. Mix the stevia, egg yolks, yogurt, applesauce, vanilla and milk alongside the dates after you have soaked them. Blend together in a blender. 
  4. In a separate bowl, bring your two egg whites to stiff peaks.
  5. Add your wet mixture to your dry mixture until you have a cohesive dough. Add extra almond milk (if needed) to allow your mixture to come together.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips and extra add-ins as you desire.
  7. Fold in egg whites. 
  8. Place on a baking sheet in large spoonfuls, pressing them down slightly and leaving an inch of room (at least) between cookies. 
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cookies become slightly golden and when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean 
  10. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze some for later!


I don't see these lasting very long before they are gobbled up. Now for my vegan friends, the substitutions should work perfectly!

Another thing worth noting is ADD THE CINNAMON! The first time I heard about this trick was a while ago and I was SO skeptical. Cinnamon in chocolate chip cookies? I don't know why but it works really well and just amps up the flavor without adding a notable 'cinnamon' taste!

For my non-vegan friends--it is worth your time to separate those eggs! This is what makes these beautiful cookies so glorious. WHIP IT, GURL. Whip those egg whites to stiff peaks!

See what I mean?











Even before baking these cookies were so light and fluffy like little scoops of ice cream! Mmm...ice creammm!












But after baking...ooo that is when they really start to look GORG!












Take one...come on, just one!










I know..just one is really quite cruel. Just take a whole darn dish!











You have to drink it with Silk Almond Milk. Just do it, I know it doesn't make sense now but DO IT. 

I made two batches of these and after the first batch I was pacing around my kitchen like a mad woman..Would they work? How would they taste? Would they hold up to a 'normal' cookie?

Oh yeah...they did. And I think my mom was becoming disturbed with the level of excitement I was displaying in the kitchen. 

"MOM"

"MOMMM"

"MOM!!!!!"

To which each time I called her she would walk in the kitchen and shake her head. She had one bite and she totally understood what the fuss was all about!

She was curious about the calories which is why I calculated them. Otherwise I would be too lazy. If you make 20 cookies *which you totally can if you are more careful than I* then each cookie will have less than 100 calories and lots of protein from the greek yogurt and protein powder. With my 16 cookie batch each one has 123 calories7 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fibre and 16 grams of net carbohydrate. Remember calories and carbs are one thing, but the high quality of these ones makes it a much healthier choice than a processed counterpart.

That's one smart cookie!


Basically, PLEASE TRY THESE. And PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO. 

If you'll excuse me, I have cookies to eat.

XO 

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