Crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside the perfect superfood chocolate chip cookie.
Revamped chocolate chip cookie a tad more sophisticated but equally as tasty. Made with plant-based ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, tahini and coconut sugar. Gluten-free, dairy free and option to make it without the egg.
What is Tahini?
New to Tahini?! I’m so happy to introduce you to this wonderful gem. Tahini is made from sesame seeds that have been ground smooth taking the form of a super creamy seed butter. Tahini tastes rich, bitter and butter-nutty it blends well into baked goods because it creates an earthiness and soft center. Tahini is a good source plant based protein- rich in potassium, magnesium, B-vitamins, phosphorus, vitamin E and iron.
Where to find Tahini?
Tahini can be found at your local grocer in the nut butter aisle or ‘natural food” section or you can order it online too.
What is Coconut Sugar?
Coconut sugar is a sugar made from boiling down the palm sap of coconut palm tree to crystalize. Coconut sugar has hints of caramel, molasses and a feel similar to brown sugar.
Coconut Sugar Nutrition
Coconut Sugar has trace amounts of nutrients- vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper and phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants. Coconut sugar has also been recognized for its lower glycemic index in comparison to cane sugar; meaning it is digested and metabolized at a slower rate than cane sugar resulting in less fluctuations on blood sugar and insulin.
To put the glycemic index in perspective… if glucose = 100 on the glycemic scale it affects blood sugar the quickest. Cane sugar= 60 and coconut sugar=54 .
Take Home: Coconut sugar like all added sugars should still be used in moderation.
Should you eat sugar?
Yes! Embrace sugar, without being excessive. There is absolutely space for all types of sugars- from cane sugar, coconut sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup and fruit sugar-fructose (etc.) in a healthy lifestyle. Eating too much sugar is absolutely linked to negative health implications but accusing sugar alone for the multitude of health problems would be a bit rash. If you are concerned sugar is the issue might I suggest some food for thought. First take a look at the big picture. What else is going on? what are other food choices that might be affecting your well being aside from the sugar?
Quick Tip: Focus on nutrient rich foods you can add to your current food intake. Maybe a full bowl of sautéed greens, cup of lentil soup or side of roasted butternut squash.
A Word on Cookies
Give yourself unconditional permission to eat cookies and truly enjoy. Knowing you can always have cookies later. It’s amazing how enticing food becomes when it is marked as “off limits”.
Over doing the cookies (or food) happens, and feeling overly full is not a pleasant eating experience. When mindful eating is implored we are less likely to over eat because it simply does not feel good. Over eating time to time in completely normal, but if it is an unconscious habit, then it becomes an issue. Want to know where to start with mindful eating read 4-steps to start eating mindfully.
Share the Love..
Hope you love this Tahini Chocolate Chip recipe as much as we do. If you make it share. Have a question or comment about the ‘food for thought’ share with me in the comment section below. Would love to hear from you.
p.s. Need more help navigating the holidays? or setting health goals and sticking with them? Whether it’s practicing mindful eating or managing your digestive health, nutrition coaching will keep you accountable and have you feeling your best. I’m running a promotion through December for 20% off discount on 1-1 Nutrition Coaching Sessions in person(if you’re local) or virtual (phone/video calls) just email [email protected] if you’re interested in getting serious about your health in 2019.
with gratitude,
Jamie
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 egg or flax egg
- 4 Tbsp. cashew milk
- 2 Tbsp. coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. xanthan gum (optional)
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375℉ and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- In large mixing bowl add tahini, sugar, egg, milk, vanilla and whisk until combined.
- Add dry ingredients almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, xanthan gum and sea salt
- Fold in chocolate chips*
- Use cookie scoop to portion out cookies on lined baking sheet
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, cookies will be lightly brown crisp outside and soft in the middle.
- Enjoy!
Notes
*I like to tuck chocolate chips into the center of the cookie ball so the bite is goey chocolatey
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