Healthy Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Heart-Opening Treat for Body & Soul!
Hello dear readers,
Chocolate chip cookies hold a special place in my heart and, I bet, in many of yours too. They're not just delicious; they're a bite of nostalgia, a hug for your taste buds, and for some, a way to open your heart. But what happens when you're looking to honour your body with healthier ingredients? Don't despair! I've crafted a chocolate chip cookie recipe that's not just grain-free and dairy-free but also incredibly delicious.
The Emotional Power of Chocolate
Before we get into the how-to of this heartwarming recipe, let's take a moment to talk about the magical ingredient that makes this treat so special: Chocolate. Ah, chocolate, the ultimate comfort food, but did you know that it's also a "heart-opener"? From a holistic perspective, chocolate is believed to open up the heart chakra, allowing love and compassion to flow freely. The bioactive compounds in chocolate also promote the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones. So when you bite into these cookies, you're not just treating your taste buds; you're nourishing your emotional well-being too! I personally love to indulge in them during the luteal phase of my cycle, when I am burning more calories at rest, or during my menstrual phase, when I am craving more nourishing heart-opening foods like chocolate!
Why Grain-Free?
Going grain-free can offer multiple health benefits, especially for those dealing with autoimmune conditions, digestive issues, or sensitivities. This lifestyle can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
The Ingredients: Real, Simple, and Nutrient-Dense
Organic Almond Flour: High in Vitamin E and magnesium. Opt for European almonds to ensure highest quality organic standards.
Chocolate Chips: I recommend Hu Baking Gems, which are free from refined sugar.
Coconut Sugar: A lower glycemic index sweetener.
Celtic Sea Salt: Packed with beneficial minerals.
Organic Dairy-Free Milk: I love coconut milk, but feel free to use your favourite. I also often opt for homemade almond milk. Organic grass-fed dairy works well also. Be sure to check the ingredient labels to avoid gums, fillers, and seed oils that are often present in plant-based milk alternatives.
Melted Coconut Oil: Rich in healthy fats. You can absolutely also use unsalted organic grass fed butter or ghee.
Let's Get Baking!
Ingredients
1 cup Organic Almond Flour
1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (or carob chips for a caffeine-free option)
1/2 cup Coconut Sugar
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
2 tbsp Organic Dairy-Free Milk (Can sub for organic grass fed dairy)
2 tbsp Melted Coconut oil (can sub for organic grass fed butter or ghee)
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Directions
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dry Ingredients: Combine almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and Celtic sea salt in a mixing bowl.
Wet Mix: Add dairy-free milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Mix well.
The Final Touch: Fold in the chocolate or carob chips.
Shaping: Roll tablespoons of dough onto the parchment paper, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
Baking: Bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Pro Tips
Make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer.
For dinner parties, use a 1/2 tablespoon scoop to make bite-sized cookies; reduce bake time to 8-9 minutes.
Let's Connect!
If you give these soul-nourishing, grain-free chocolate chip cookies a try, I'd love to hear about your experience. Tag me on Instagram and let's spread the joy and healing power of healthy treats!
Wishing you health, happiness, and open hearts with every bite,
Davida
