One of my favorite things to make is healthy and delicious treats! This is something my friends and family know me for and something I love to do (because who doesn't love a treat right?!) I absolutely love how clean the ingredients are in this recipe yet they are chewy, gooey and absolutely delicious! They are also dairy, gluten and grain free!
Here are some highlights of the super start ingredients found in this recipe:
Tahini is made from ground up sesame seeds and is an amazing source of non-dairy calcium to keep bones strong. Sesame seeds are high in beneficial minerals to support many different functions in the body and it tastes delicious (check out recipe for my Tahini Dressing on my Instagram page)
Almond flour is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats which have been associated with decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Almonds are also rich in Vitamin E which is a major antioxidant important for heart health benefits and anti-aging. They also contain higher amounts of biotin which is important for healthy hair, skin and nails.
Maple Syrup (the 100% pure kind) is filled with minerals and contains high amounts of manganese and zinc. These minerals act as anti-oxidants and protect cells against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Zinc is also essential for maintaining a strong immune system and is critical for men's sexual health.
Recipe
Makes about 10-12 cookies
Ingredients:
1C Almond Flour
1/2C Shredded Coconut
1C Tahini
1/2C Maple Syrup
1/2C Chocolate Chips (I used Enjoy Life semi-sweet mini chocolate chips)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
1 tbsp flax seeds (ground)
2.5 tbsp water
1 tsp baking soda
Step 1 - in a mixing bowl combine almond flour, shredded coconut, tahini, maple syrup, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, cinnamon and pinch of sea salt. Set into fridge for 30 minutes
Step 2 - 5 minutes before taking batter out of the fridge prepare your "flax egg" by combining ground flax seeds with the water. Mix and let it sit to take on a jelly like consistency
Step 3 - take batter out of the fridge and add in the flax egg and baking soda, mix well
Step 4 - line a cookie tray with parchment paper, form balls by taking heaping tablespoons of batter and press into cookie shapes on tray
Step 5 - bake at 350F for about 11 minutes - the cookies will still be very soft and it is important to let them completely cool before tasting
I'd love to see your creations - you can tag me on Instagram @annsirenkonutrition :)
Happy baking!