CHOCOLATE CHIP CHICKPEA COOKIES + Sweet & Simple Book

Chocolate Chip *Chickpea* Cookies

When we craft we like to munch on something sweet and these fudgey cookies have become our latest favourite. They are sweetened with dates and 70% chocolate, and the addition of oat flour and pureed chickpeas give them a decadent chewy crumb. Please don't be put off by the addition of chickpeas, you would never know if I hadn't told you. They remind me of chewy North American chocolate chip cookies without the bucket load of sugar and condensed milk. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dates*
  • 1 cup rolled oats [GF: use 1 cup almond meal]
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas or 400g can rinsed and well drained
  • 1 free range egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 100 g butter melted [DF: use coconut oil]
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 100 g 70% chocolate chopped to make chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup walnuts roughly chopped

Instructions

  • *Soak the dates in hot water for 20 minutes to soften then drain well.
  • Preheat oven 180C. Line a cookie tray with baking paper.
  • First grind the oats in a food processor into a fine flour. Tip into a bowl.
  • Place the chickpeas, dates, egg, vanilla and salt into the food processor and blend until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides several times as you go to ensure an even mixture. Add the melted butter and blend to combine. Tip into a bowl and add the baking soda, oat flour, chocolate and walnuts. Mix well. [If you have a large enough food processor you can do this in the processor.]
  • Using 2 tablespoons scoop walnut-sized balls onto the lined tray leaving space between each one. You will fit about 12 cookies per tray so bake in 2 batches. Flatten the cookies with a fork [wet the fork if the mixture is sticky] and bake for 12 minutes until golden. Cool on the tray for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Winter: is cold nights snuggled by the fire watching movies and knitting. Cold grey days [luckily not too many in Nelson] also mean time inside staying warm and keeping ourselves occupied beyond movies. This winter I have been enjoying planning sewing projects with my 4-year-old who thrives on Mama time doing grownup things. My Mum and Bonnema [grandma] taught me how to sew and knit and I look forward to sharing these skills with my children as they grow. There is something so satisfying [and therapeutic] about crafting and making things from scratch. A little bit like cooking I suppose, maybe why I like it so much!

You can find plenty of inspiration online and I often pin knitting/crochet projects on my Pinterest craft board so I can find them later [this is what I am knitting above without the intricate pattern and less of a sausage neck]. However I am quite old-fashioned really and love the printed word – you should see my cookbook collection – so we have been working our way through Melissa Wastney’s book of projects / Sweet & Simple Handmade. You may recall this time last year I teamed up with Melissa to run a craft & food night in Nelson with 100 people attending. Melissa is a longtime craft blog hero of mine, having started her gorgeous blog Tiny Happy over 8 years ago. Originally from Nelson, Melissa now lives in the capital with her family and continues to inspire through her daily musings on Tiny Happy.

Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies | HOMEGROWN KITCHEN

If you are into making things for little ones I cannot recommend this book enough, in the pages you will find 25 projects to sew, stitch, knit and upcycle for children aged new-born to 10 years. Including her signature Reversible Baby Booties – I used to buy these from Melissa for new babies when she had a craft stall at the Nelson Market. If you follow along on my Instagram feed you would have seen the cute-as skirt I made for Mika from Sweet & Simple, and I recently made some 2-year-old boy-pants. I would post a photo of them but getting a 2-year-old boy to sit still for more than half a second is not an easy task.

Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies | HOMEGROWN KITCHEN

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Join the Conversation

  1. The cookies and the book both look lovely! My favourite craft project at the moment is knitting and sewing little gifts and accessories

  2. I sewed for all my children and that was where I learned after all no one else could see the undies and singlets I made at first.I did some things for my grandchildren early on and now out of the blue comes an unexpected baby born as a precious surprise and I would love to make more up to date things .

  3. I like to make felt soft toys for my daughter and friends. I either sew them with store bought fabric, or need felt them. Very therapeutic and rewarding.

    1. Needle felt them that is supposed to say.

  4. Oooh. Needle felting for me too. And a bit of sewing when I can find the time 🙂 I also love Melissa’s booties. I was lucky enough to be given a pair from a lovely friend.

  5. I’m currently working on resurrecting my skills in knitting and hopefully improving them!

  6. I’m currently crocheting my 5 year old a scarf and will then make 3 year old some mittens to replace the socks we are improvising with 🙂

  7. Just learning how to sew, starting with hairband then want to sew pants next

  8. Beautiful recipe! Thanks for sharing!

  9. I love making things – I want to learn how to crochet again, it was something my Grandmother started to teach me, but I never really got the hang of it, and both my daughters are into knitting as well, something new to learn and do together. I also love cross stich very therapeutic. Love the look of these cookies will definitely be giving them a try – thanks for sharing

  10. I remember as a kid that my nanny’s always had something simmering in the background and tried to encourage me to knit, however being the tutu that I am, I could never sit still. I did however manage to bake and cook. I would love to learn how to sew and knit xx

  11. this is high on my list http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2014/02/rainbow-sidewalk-chalk-paint-recipe.html
    I can’t find any coloured chalks that are bright enough, this looks like a great DIY solution.

  12. These look so tasty, can’t wait to try them… My most recent craft project was a knitted lego batman (http://nomumisanisland.blogspot.co.nz/2014/07/mama-makes-knitted-lego-batman-and.html). I enjoy knitting but often my ideas far outstrip my skill level – hence ‘freestyle’ knitting!

  13. Lesley McGregor says:

    I have just taught myself to crochet (thank you, YouTube) and am enjoying updating our cushion collection with bright, snuggly new crocheted cushion covers featuring all the new stitches and techniques I am learning!

  14. I am hving fun making zippered pouches of different sizes and shapes. They are handy and make great gifts.

  15. Yummy thank you however I put mine in the blender at that final stage and it mixed up all the chips & nuts so the mixture was a chocolate color with no pieces! Still yummy

  16. I am teaching myself to crochet .I will try this recipe this week,looks delicious.

  17. Just scored some cool art yarn, from a tiny hole-in-the-wall place in Queenstown. Looking forward to turning it into a scarf – definitely a one-of-a-kind!

  18. So many crafts, love to knit and crochet. But also love jazz in up retro furniture for our home :).love any craft books going so many ideas….so little time!

  19. Catherine Barriga says:

    HI
    I’m mostly a knitter (making a top town cream Aran sweater at the moment), embroiderer (making banners for over the door with our family history embroidered on them-9 banners), seamstress (just finished a simple ruched linen skirt for myself that I will embroider on this weekend) BUT have today started making hand bound books with youTube videos to help me along. This is my way of spending time with my 13 year old who frankly prefers to be with her friends.

  20. Where to begin with crafts…?? I am obsessed with crochet and it’s definitely my first craft of choice! I’m trying to develop my knitting skills at the moment and I also love paper crafts and sewing…crafts in general are just wonderful!

  21. I would love to be a crafty person,Sewing,Quilting,Crochet,Knitting and I would love to win this book

  22. I like to sew when I get the chance, I am keen to learn crochet 🙂

  23. Thanks for another sugar free recipe, I will try it tomorrow. I am teaching myself to crochet something other than a blanket! Just made a lovely beret to give as a gift and am very pleased with it.

    1. Katrina Dodd says:

      Am knitting lovely soft wool/angora neck cowly things. Big needles, big wool, easy to knit, whats not to love?!

    2. Congratulations Bridget you won the book! I will send you an email now 🙂

  24. Knitting is what I would like to learn.

  25. I like sewing anything that doesn’t take too long!… Kid’s shirts and undies are at the top of the list…or fabric bags to put presents in….

  26. My favourite craft projects are always for my son, usually making soft toys!

  27. Cushla Kemp says:

    Awesome i look forward to ready your blog and try out some of your yummies you have posted 🙂 I am finishing of loads of knitted and sewing projects that have been on the go for sometime before our first little wee one arrives in the next few months. I really want to knit a bassinet blanket or cot blanket depending on time. Would love to check out Melissa’s fun book as i grew up in Nelson with Melissa so nice to support our friends 🙂

  28. Id love to win this book

  29. i have beed dragging around a wodge of fabric, (mostly my husbands nice old cotton and silk shirts in autumnal colours) FOR YEARS! to make a rag rug. one day i will……..

  30. I love sewing! Mainly for my kids! I’m joining in with Kids Clothes Week at the moment, but would love to sew more for myself and gain more patience for knitting!

  31. Esther Cowell says:

    Love to knit and sew, especially on winter nights 🙂 just taught myself to crochet as well

  32. Natalie Jackson says:

    I make aprons for my children and nieces for their birthdays and photo boards for all family members, I love to put all my love into something they can use, and its practical presents, I love seeing their faces in what I have made for them, priceless 🙂

  33. Kerry-Anne says:

    As a fabric addict, I love making strip quilts to showcase beautiful fabric. I also love to screen print.

  34. I’m loving my knitting this winter, just need to finish it before winter is over!

  35. Brenda Solon says:

    I am loving sewing with my recently inherited sewing machine! I have many things in my project pile, but at the top is a curtain for a puppet theatre!

  36. Rose Delia says:

    Still not ready to let summer go, but this helps me look forward to those indoors, chilly, crafty nights!

  37. I am a passionate Knitter so every knitting project is my favorite 🙂 but I’m trying to broaden my skills and learn to sew 🙂

  38. Sandy Butler says:

    I love to make colourful grocery shopping bags, makes a boring task a bit more interesting when people ask about my bags.

  39. I love to embroider. So many techniques to learn & my favourite projects are 3D.

  40. I must confess that I was sceptical about the use of chickpeas in these cookies BUT I made them today (with chickpeas that I had soaked and then cooked with kombu) and they were heavenly. You are amazing! I must also confess that the cookies were so soft and fluffy that I used them to encase vanilla bean icecream (that I made using David Lebovitz’s recipe). The perfect dessert. Thank you!

    1. Wow, cookie and icecream sandwich, sounds divine! I am glad you enjoyed the cookies, the chickpeas make an interesting and great textural addition 🙂

  41. Love to knit and sew and try to get my young friends, nieces and work colleagues to take up knitting and sewing as they are such great hobbies. At the moment I’m making a 4 ply triangular scarf in my favourite colour blue.

  42. Ange Beaumont says:

    I love making sock monkeys! It’s so much fun watching their personalities develop 🙂

  43. Oh, those biscuits look YUM!
    I’m a knitter at heart, but in all honesty don’t like counting patterns! My favourite thing to knit is blankets for Operation Cover Up (Mission without Borders)…they are sent to families and orphans in Eastern Europe who don’t have access to lovely wool like we do. I love that I can knit and think, or not think, watch TV, talk with friends, look out at the birds outside, knit while waiting for the doctor, and more! It’s my downtime, my relaxation, and my productivity needs are still fulfilled. However, I may be becoming a crochet addict now too…
    http://soonarmy.blogspot.co.nz/2012/11/my-harmless-daily-addiction.html
    http://soonarmy.blogspot.co.nz/2014/04/as-promised.html

  44. Home dying cotton, linen, silk or wool clothes from the op shop is my latest discovery – addicted to using denim blue

  45. I like sewing when I have time

  46. charlotte says:

    When I have time sewing & knitting!

  47. Those cookies are yum! Wasn’t sure about using chickpeas, but they tasted great 🙂

    1. I know it seems a little odd to add chickpeas to cookies but they are so good! I wouldn’t have shared them here if I didn’t think they were delicious. I love the fudgey texture they give the cookies 🙂

  48. Samantha Bates says:

    Your recipes look great! Now following you on facebook. My favourite things to make at the moment are sewing various bits and pieces to decorate our new home – fabric embroidery hoops, cushion covers etc. Looking forward to sewing some things for our baby’s room that is on the way.

  49. Judi Deck says:

    I am working on a pair of buttoned gloves. They will look rather stylish.
    Also, throughout winter, I have been drying apples on top of my fire. Very economical and very yummy.

  50. The book looks gorgeous and would be such a treat. My fave craft that I need to make more time for is knitting. I love knitting

  51. Victoria Vincent says:

    Just fumbling my way through my first crochet project ever, your Helmet hat. Looks like my dream kids hat.

  52. Madeline austin says:

    The cookies are so tasty, loved the texture. Book looks fantastic. Have never crocheted before but would like to crochet a toddler cardigan.

  53. Toni Kroupa says:

    I knit, have four hats, a cowl and vest as works in progress. Wish I could find the time to finish them! I brought a sewing machine a year ago and still haven’t learnt to sew so that is next 🙂

  54. The book looks so lovey. My next project will be a felt cloud mobile!

  55. Terri Pain says:

    I desperately want to get a sewing machine so that i can learn how to make clothes for my children. At the moment im loving embroidery

  56. I love sewing cushions and clothes for my little ones as well as making baby mobiles and giving them to friends for their new bubbas, can’t wait to try these cookies this arvo with my little boy….. Yum!

  57. Making baby clothes and bibs x

  58. I taught myself to crochet a few months ago, I have made a headband/earwarmer and a big fluffy scarf so far to keep me cosy in Dunedin.

  59. Making kids’ clothes is my fave. I’ve had this book out from the library – it’s great! Also, I just made these cookies yesterday. They are truly fantastic, and I’ll definitely be making them again!

  60. Sarah Kivi says:

    It’s the perfect time of year for crafting. I currently attempting to knit a pair of socks, I love collecting wool and thinking about what I can knit with it. I’m better at collecting than knitting actually. Last thing I knitted was a teddy bear for my niece.

  61. sheryl Worthington says:

    I love making things for my kids. My last project was pyjama pants.

  62. I love knitting hats!

  63. These are possibly the best choc chip biscuits ever. I made a batch, substituting hazelnuts for walnuts, and I think I might just eat the whole tray!

    1. Cool June! I know they are quite deceptively delicious. And I like that they are boosted with protein for the kids 🙂

  64. Can you use chickpea flour instead of the tinned chickpeas?

    1. Hi Vanessa, I haven’t tried so I can’t tell you the quantities. It would be less than the tinned chickpeas with water added I imagine but not even sure if that would work as it is the cooked chickpeas that give the yummy fudgey texture.

  65. Wow. These cookies not only taste delish, the also pass my bung all ingredients into the processor and blitz approach. I did blitz the oats first but then threw the rest in. Large chunks of choc and all. New fav.

    1. Hi Belle, I know isn’t that the best type of cookie. So simple. I like the sound of large chunks of cookies might just do this next batch. Happy cooking 🙂

  66. Yum these cookies are so so good. Im secretly glad they are best eaten on the day as i have an excuse to eat them all 🙂 I made a batch and halved the mix and popped it in the fridge for a few days to whip up when we had friends over , perfect !

    1. What a great idea. Of-course cookie dough can be saved for a few days to make more when you fancy sharing with friends! Thanks for your message 🙂

  67. Yum, I just made these. I used hazelnuts instead of walnuts and they are lovely.
    I have recently found your blog and am really enjoying it. I plan to cook many more yummy things from here. Thank you.

    1. Thanks Emma, I often use hazelnuts also, just whatever I have on hand. Enjoy reading and cooking 🙂

  68. Thanks for recipe Nicola. How can I make them egg free?Do you know the chia seed or linseed soak method?Thanks, Jude.

    1. Hi Jude, I haven’t tried making these without egg so can’t guarantee the recipe will work without. You could try replacing the egg with a splash of milk (any milk) so the mixture isn’t too dry. Or make a flaxseed/chia egg by combining 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed/chia with 3 Tbsp water, mix and leave to gel for 10 minutes. This will replace 1 egg in a recipe. Good luck!

      1. many thanks.
        jude gedye

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