Chickpea Cookie Dough Balls Recipe

Homemade Chickpea Cookie Dough Balls Recipe: Guilt-Free Joy

Decadent and guilt-free, these creamy chickpea cookie dough balls bring a surprising twist to your favorite comfort snack.

Packed with protein and natural sweetness, this no-bake treat blends wholesome ingredients into an irresistible bite-sized delight.

Chickpeas work magic in this recipe, creating a smooth and rich base that mimics classic cookie dough.

The magic happens when simple pantry staples come together in minutes, without any complicated techniques.

Chocolate chips add a classic touch of indulgence to these nutritious spheres of goodness.

You can whip up these delectable morsels faster than brewing a cup of coffee.

Prepare to fall in love with a healthier dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

  • Whip Up Nutritious Treats: Discover a guilt-free snack that transforms humble chickpeas into a delightful cookie dough experience packed with protein and wholesome ingredients.
  • Conquer Quick Preparation: Blend everything in a food processor with minimal steps, making this recipe perfect for busy individuals seeking a speedy and satisfying sweet solution.
  • Customize Your Delight: Easily swap chocolate chips for alternative mix-ins like dried fruit or nuts, allowing personal creativity and dietary preferences to shine through this adaptable recipe.
  • Enjoy Healthy Indulgence: Skip traditional cookie dough's heavy calories while savoring a creamy, sweet treat that delivers nutrition and satisfaction without compromising taste.
Base Ingredients:
  • Chickpeas: Protein-packed legumes that create a creamy base for the cookie dough.
  • Oats: Whole grain that provides texture and a hearty foundation for the recipe.
Wet and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Maple Syrup, Vanilla, Salt: Natural sweeteners and flavor enhancers that balance the chickpea base and add depth to the cookie dough.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Chocolate Chips: Classic sweet morsels that add richness and traditional cookie dough flavor to the healthy treat.

Step 1: Prepare Chickpeas

Grab your food processor and toss in the chickpeas.

Pulse them for about a minute until they break down into a crumbly texture.

Make sure there are no big chunks remaining.

Step 2: Incorporate Oats

Sprinkle the oats into the food processor and pulse again for another minute.

The mixture will start to look more uniform and combine nicely with the chickpeas.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

Time to add some delicious flavor!

Drop in:
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Blend everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and looks like a creamy dough.

Step 4: Mix Chocolate Goodness

Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.

Gently fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix carefully.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough Spheres

Roll the dough between your palms, creating small bite-sized balls.

Each ball should be about the size of a tablespoon.

The warmth of your hands will help them hold together perfectly.

Step 6: Chill and Enjoy

Place the balls on a plate or baking sheet.

Pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

This helps them maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.

Tips for Soft, Tasty Chickpea Snacks

  • Remove excess moisture from chickpeas to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without unwanted wateriness.
  • Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to help balls hold shape and enhance flavor melding.
  • Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent taste and added antioxidants.
  • Adjust maple syrup quantity to control sweetness based on personal preference or dietary needs.
  • Keep cookie dough balls in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Chickpea Ball Variations for Fun Flavors

  • Protein Power Balls: Replace chickpeas with white beans for a different protein source and lighter flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap maple syrup with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce carbohydrates and make recipe low-carb friendly.
  • Nut Butter Boost: Mix in almond butter or cashew butter for extra creaminess and nutty undertones, enhancing the overall texture and flavor complexity.
  • Vegan Chocolate Alternative: Use carob chips instead of regular chocolate chips for those avoiding traditional chocolate or seeking a different taste experience.
  • Guilt-Free Dessert Platter: Arrange cookie dough balls on a beautiful wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
  • Protein-Packed Snack Pack: Pack these balls in small mason jars for quick grab-and-go energy bites during work or gym sessions.
  • Decadent Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the cookie dough balls over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful textural contrast and added nutrition.
  • Movie Night Treat: Serve chilled alongside herbal tea or almond milk for a cozy, wholesome dessert experience that satisfies sweet cravings without guilt.
  • Store cookie dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Pack the cookie dough balls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, where they'll stay good for 2-3 months.
  • Remove frozen cookie dough balls and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying their soft, creamy texture.
  • Place parchment paper between layers when storing to prevent the balls from sticking together, ensuring easy grab-and-go snacking.

FAQs

  • Are chickpeas really good for cookie dough?

Chickpeas provide protein, fiber, and a creamy texture while making the recipe healthier and more nutritious compared to traditional cookie dough.

  • Can I use another sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but each will slightly change the final flavor profile of the cookie dough balls.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, can be made vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips, and is a good option for those seeking a protein-rich snack.

  • How long can these cookie dough balls stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these chickpea cookie dough balls can last up to 5-7 days, maintaining their delicious taste and texture.

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Chickpea Cookie Dough Balls Recipe

Chickpea Cookie Dough Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chickpea cookie dough balls deliver guilt-free pleasure without compromising sweet satisfaction. Protein-packed and deliciously creamy, these no-bake treats promise a healthy twist on classic cookie dough that you’ll absolutely crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 15.5 ounces (440 grams) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and dried
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) whole oats
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (45 grams) mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly, ensuring complete removal of excess liquid.
  2. Transform chickpeas into fine crumbles using a food processor, pulsing for approximately 60 seconds until texture becomes uniform and granular.
  3. Incorporate rolled oats into the processor, continuing to pulse for an additional minute to create a consistent mixture.
  4. Introduce maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the processor, blending until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
  5. Transfer the processed mixture into a mixing bowl, gently folding chocolate chips throughout the dough to distribute evenly.
  6. Using clean hands or a small scoop, craft compact spheres approximately the size of a tablespoon, ensuring uniform shape and density.
  7. For optimal texture and flavor, refrigerate the cookie dough balls for 30 minutes before serving, allowing them to firm and develop a more cohesive structure.
  8. Store prepared cookie dough balls in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining their fresh quality and delightful taste.

Notes

  • Ensure chickpeas are thoroughly drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the dough too wet.
  • Use a high-powered food processor for the smoothest texture, processing longer if needed to break down chickpeas completely.
  • Try different types of chocolate chips like dark, milk, or dairy-free options to customize flavor and dietary needs.
  • Refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes before serving to help them firm up and develop a more cookie-like consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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