Looking for the chickpea cookies from Pinterest or Facebook? Here’s the original recipe! Scroll to the bottom of the post for a how-to recipe video.
Chickpea cookies! Chickpea cookies with no flour, no oil, no white sugar. These are just full of chickpeas. And they’re my very favorite healthy cookie so far!* I don’t know if they really classify as cookies so I’ll go with cookie dough bites.
And as a bonus, they’re grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. Just in case that matters to anyone out there! And if you’re worried about the chickpeas, don’t be. I don’t like chickpeas and won’t eat them but that didn’t prevent me from inhaling these.
* 2017 update: this post is 5 years old and I have a new favorite. :D You HAVE to try these paleo chocolate chip cookies if you haven’t already! There’s also a vegan option. And for hot summer days, these no-bake oatmeal cookies (naturally gluten-free + vegan) are my favorite!
I used homemade peanut butter in these cookies but store-bought (the kind with just peanuts and salt) works just as well.
Here’s how to make peanut butter! There’s also a video included. All you need is peanuts and a food processor (which you already have to pull out for this chickpea cookie recipe!).
These need the chocolate. Don’t go making them without the chocolate and then tell me that they weren’t sweet or gooey enough! These would be incredibly boring without the chocolate.
And for some weird reason, these cookie dough bites do not taste yummy in dough form. Baking them somehow brings out the sweetness and peanut butter flavor. Or maybe it’s just all that melted chocolate.
One thing I’ve learned since starting this blog is that people really love closeups of melted stuff. So there you go. :)
These aren’t the most beautiful cookie dough bites, but fresh out of the oven, with all that gooey chocolate, I bet you can’t tell that these are made with chickpeas. Or are grain-free. But cold? Yuck. These need to be warm!
You can either freeze the balls and pop a few in the oven whenever it’s on, or simply put them in the microwave until they’re warm and gooey again.
By the way, if you’re a peanut butter lover like I am, you have to try these healthy peanut butter balls. They’re also gluten-free and vegan!
Please read the following before asking a question! It will probably answer it. :)
- Tons of people have posted the nutritional analysis for these. They’re supposedly anywhere between 80-130 calories, which seems like a huge range to me. Please use a recipe analyzer like on CalorieCount if you need more information.
- You can use almond butter, sun butter, or whatever nut butter you like.
- The peanut butter should be the kind with only peanuts and salt. No added fat or sugar.
Be careful because there are some “natural” brands out there which aren’t really natural. I find that this peanut butter is usually expensive so I make my own.
You can make your own in only 5 minutes with a food processor. Check that out here. - Chickpea flour won’t work. I don’t think plain hummus will either.
- I haven’t tried anything other than chickpeas but others have used butter beans, navy beans, red kidney beans, great northern beans, and lentils with success. I generally don’t like goodies made with those types of beans but I love these cookies made with chickpeas. Please use chickpeas unless you have an allergy!
- Doing this in a blender won’t work and might kill the blender. Making these in a Blendtec blender or something equally powerful might work but I haven’t tried it.
- Adding random stuff like eggs… probably won’t work either. ;) Experimenting is great but I think this is a bad recipe to experiment with.
But thanks to the experimenters who left feedback, I’ve been able to update the recipe with alternatives to honey and peanut butter. Thanks everyone!
For my readers who are really sensitive to gluten, you might want to read my post on Is Honey Gluten-free? - For a totally sugar free version, use 30 drops of Stevia and cacao nibs.
- Do not double the recipe! It might be too much for your machine and could damage it.
- For a vegan version, you can’t use honey. Use agave.
- For a dairy-free version, use Enjoy Life chocolate chips. They’re just as delicious as regular chocolate chips. SO good!
And thanks for everyone who has pinned and left feedback. I really appreciate it. :)
Want more gluten-free treats? Here are some of my favorites!
Grain-free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites (gluten-free with vegan and dairy-free options)
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Ready in:
- Yield: 14 1" cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups canned chickpeas, well-rinsed and patted dry with a paper towel1
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (165 grams) natural peanut butter, SunButter Natural or almond butter - room temperature2
- 1/4 cup (80 grams) honey (agave or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder3
- a pinch of salt if your peanut butter doesn't have salt in it
- 1/2 cup (90 grams) chocolate chips (use vegan and dairy-free chocolate chips, if needed)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Combine all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a food processor and process until very smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides and the top to get the little chunks of chickpeas and process again until they're combined.
- Put in the chocolate chips and stir it if you can, or pulse it once or twice. The mixture will be very thick and sticky.
- With wet hands, form into 1 1/2" balls. Place onto a Silpat or a piece of parchment paper. If you want them to look more like normal cookies, press down slightly on the balls. They don't do much rising.
- Bake for about 10 minutes. The dough balls will still be very soft when you take them out of the oven. They will not set like normal cookies.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature (or in the fridge) for up to 1 week.
Notes
- My can of chickpeas was 400 grams, 240 grams without the water, and I used all but a few tablespoons.
- Don't even try with regular peanut butter! They'll come out oily. You MUST use natural peanut butter. :)
- If you need grain-free baking powder, you can use 1 part cream of tartar + 1 part baking soda + 2 parts arrowroot.
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2106 comments on “The Original Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites Recipe (aka Chickpea Cookies)” — Add one!
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They look DELICIOUS!!! I can't wait to try them but I dont have a food processor, will just using an electric whisk work???
Sorry for my slow reply! I'm afraid that you really need something that will be able to grind the chickpeas really well. I don't think an electric whisk will work. I wouldn't risk breaking it or having chunks!
Do you think you could use any white bean??
Do you think you could use any white bean??
I don't think so. I've always found white beans to have a disturbing texture (I know, it's just me) and don't see them working in this but you could definitely try! Let us know if you do and good luck. :)
I just made these the other day with my roommates and they LOVED them!! They are our new favorite healthy treat! I was wondering if you have ever tried to replace the peanut butter with pumpkin puree. Since it's fall I am obsessed with pumpkin again! Would it work to do that?
I'm obsessed with pumpkin too! The only problem is that pumpkin and peanut butter have a totally different texture. You've inspired me to try to create a pumpkin version, though. I'll use almond butter, some pumpkin and spices and see what happens. I'm happy that you all liked them! Thanks for the feedback. :)
Could I use store bought Almond or some other butter? We don't do peanuts. Also I was reminded of this recipe, I'm sure you will like it! http://healthyindulgences.net/2009/05/healthy-chocolate-cake-with-a-secret/
Sure! Lots of people have used almond butter with success. The most recent almond butter comment (it's a few above yours) said that it made them more cookie-like so that's good. :) Thanks for the link! I checked it out. I've tried black bean cake before but the beans honestly weirded me out a little. I have to try again!
These are my favorite. Substituted almond butter instead of peanut butter and they came out much more cookie-like. They taste great cold and hot with the almond butter. Thanks for a great recipe.
And thanks for the feedback! Interesting that they came out cookie like with almond butter. I've definitely got to try that. And I'm happy you liked them. :)
Oh my! I just found your blog, and I think I have to make these very, very soon! They must be pretty high in protein because of the chickpeas, which can be a good thing, too. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I hope you get a chance to make them! And yes, they're very high protein. For me, that's a very good thing because I struggle to get enough. :)
I'm a little late to the party, but wanted to add a suggestion for those wanting to used Nutella. Justin's has a delicious chocolate hazelnut spread that is the consistency of natural peanut butter. I eat it by the spoonful. It's pricey ($10 a jar), but oh so good. I haven't tried it in these cookies yet since I didn't want to waste it if I didn't like the chick peas, but I'll be trying it sometime!
Thanks for the tip! That sounds great but I also wouldn't want to waste it. :)
Not sure where you live in Germany, but my wife (The Antiques Diva) and I live in Berlin (originally from Oklahoma). Tried these today and were thrilled with the result! Thanks!
Also in Berlin. :) So happy that you two enjoyed them! Thanks for the feedback.
Just made these, but added about 1/2 cup protein powder and 2 tsp water. SO GOOD.
Yay! Happy that your sub worked. Love it when that happens. Thanks for letting us know. :)
Thank you. so much. These are so addicting, filling, and incredible. Who thought you could make a nutritious meal out of cookies? hehe
And thanks for leaving feedback. :) I'm happy to hear that you liked them!
I just made them and they were sooo good! You really need a good blender before trying it. I broke my magic bullet:)
Oh no! Sorry I didn't see this until now. I'm happy you liked them but it should haven't broken a Magic Bullet! I'm sorry. :(
As I was making them they seemed to be dark. Mine didn't turn out as light as yours. Any Suggestions?
I have no idea what would make them dark. The dough was dark, or they got brown too quickly? If they got brown too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees F. If the dough was dark, was your chocolate a little melted / soft? Because that's the only thing that could make it dark. Sorry I'm not more of a help! I hope you still enjoyed them. :)
These look so good!
Just wondering if anyone's cookies turned out rather dark but not overcooked?
and if anyone knows the calorie count?
I haven't had any comments about dark cookies yet. And several people have left their calorie count analysis and I think 130 or 140 was the average. Unfortunately peanut butter is not low calorie. :(
I saw your recipe for the chocolate chip dough balls on Pinterest and just made them. They are delicious!! Who would have guessed that chickpeas are one of the main ingredients? I am 8 months pregnant and was diagnosed with borderline gestational diabetes. I have been searching for a sweet treat to satisfy my cravings without added flour and sugar. This is perfect – and it packs a great protein punch as well. Thank you!!! Have you ever tried a similar recipe for other cookies (I'm thinking snicker doodles…)? I will be keeping this recipe on hand for sure. Keep up the great work!
~Lauren
Thanks Lauren! I've replied to your email. Hope you got it. :)
The best thing about these is they are egg free!
I have to admit that I never even realized that. I'm happy that it's a big plus for someone. :)
These are ridiculously good. Will be 'fooling' the family on Christmas with these for sure. Definitely cookie DOUGH bites, as opposed to cookies, too gaumy for cookies, just right for "dough bites". Used chunky peanut butter and crushed walnuts for texture second time around. Touche'. Thank you.
I love that you've already planned Christmas cookies. Me too. :) Like the texture tip. I guess the chocolate doesn't do much there, huh? I appreciate the feedback!
I've made chickpea cookie pie before and could taste the beans. I then tried it using northern beans… much milder bean and it was so much better. No one could tell. My Brice who hates beans loved it. Can't wait to try this recipe though! Thanks for the post.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! That's a good tip with the northern beans. I'll have to see if I can find those in Germany. I won't use them in this recipe because you really can't taste the chickpeas once baked, but I'll try them in different recipes. Thanks again!
Made these last night without any changes (ate 3 while hot) and brought the rest to work. My co-workers inhaled them in minutes and demanded the recipe. So easy to make and so delicious. Can't wait to make them again!!
So happy to hear that you and your co-workers enjoyed them! I'm really happy that you also enjoyed them cool. Thanks for the feedback!
So if they aren't delish at room temperature, that means I have to eat them all at once while they're still warm and gooey? Hmmmm….I believe I can do that! :)
Haha, I like how you think. I hope you like them!
It looks absolutely fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! :)
I made these tonight. Had to warm the honey to get it out of the jar. My chocolate chips melted so I had chocolate cookies! They're really yummy!
Happy that they're still yummy with melted chocolate! Thanks for letting me know. :)
wow! These were AWESOME! found out about them through pintrest and gave them a try this afternoon. I love them! question – do you think butter beans would work as well? I only had one can of chick peas and i want to make some more before the next time i'm able to go to the grocery store so i think i might try butter beans…
So sorry for the slow answer! I've been having issues with the comments. I have never even heard of butter beans so I have to admit that I have no idea if it'd work. Did you try it out? I wouldn't risk it but I'm terrified of beans. My opinion isn't really valid! And hooray that you liked them! Thanks for the feedback. :)
The increased use of chick peas in baked goods terrifies me because I'm deathly allergic to beans of all kinds. A plea to anyone who is making them to bring to a potluck, cookout, church supper, etc.: I know better now but someone with a similar allergy who hasn't seen these recipes yet might NEVER suspect there would be beans in a cookie, so I hope you will disclose on a notecard or something to be placed near the plate.
Thanks for the information! I had no idea that people were allergic to beans.
I need to know how many grams of FAT are in each cookie?
I don't know but I can say they're not low fat. There's a lot of peanut butter in there, but it's the good kind of fat. :)
Anon – People have said 125 on up. You can do CTRL + F and then type calories. On the first page of comments too. Hope that helps!
Does anyone know the calories on these cookies? Please email me if you know Jaden8505@hotmail.com
Missie – Hehe. I'm happy you don't feel guilty! You shouldn't. They're pretty wholesome compared to normal cookies. :) Thanks for the feedback!
tina – Super that they worked with almond butter! Thanks for letting me know. I'm sure it'll help others in the future!
Made these, but used Natural Almond butter, and they were spectacular. Not a peanut butter fan anymore, so did not even try the other way.
These were amazing. I made them tonight and had to eat 3! oh dear! I am SO making these again – I don't even feel too guilty about eating them!
Noel – So so sorry for the slow reply! I somehow missed your comment. I drain the chickpeas, rinse them off with water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. I hope it's not too late. :)
Happy Gidget – Wow, thanks for the amazing comment. Totally made my day! I'm happy that you and your body could deal with these and that you even liked them. And great that you liked the batter and the bites cold! It makes me so happy to know that people with dietary restrictions can enjoy these. Thanks again for the feedback! I really appreciate it. :)
You are amazing! I am so glad your photo popped up in my FB/Pinterest feed. Dark chocolate is almost the ONLY indulgence I allow myself and then, only very occasionally. I voluntarily gave up gluten when I discovered that it stops my metabolism dead and then, let sugar go as well. Since then, my palette has become more discriminating and processed foods are just TOO much and 'sweet' things are far too sweet. However, YOUR cookie bites are absolutely PERFECT! I loved the batter. I loved them cooked. I loved them cold. Even if they are not perfectly healthy, they are certainly made of ingredients my body can appreciate. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Heya! Came over here from Pinterest. I was wondering if you drain your chick peas or use the liquid that they come in?
Thanks so much!
mas_vale – SO sorry for the delay in my response! I didn't see this until now. Natural peanut butter is just nuts and maybe salt. That's what "real" natural peanut butter is. Regular peanut butter has added fats (including the bad types of fat), added sugar and some other added stuff. If you make these with regular peanut butter, they'll come out oily.
Shannon – Yay! It makes me so happy to hear that people eating gluten-free enjoy this recipe! Thanks for letting me know. :)
Anne – Please do! I bet you'd enjoyed them. :)
It looks like a dream! I need to try it soon!
I just made these after my daughter and I went gluten-free two weeks ago. She's been craving treats. These turned out GREAT! Like, surprisingly great. Yay. Thanks for the recipe!
What is the difference between natural and regular peanut butter and where can I find natural peanut butter??? Thank you.
Fatemeh – So happy that you liked them! And you should have kept the ingredients a secret from the husband. :) I'm here on Facebook if you want to add me! Texanerin Baking
Tom G – Thank you for posting the nutritional info! I'm sure it'll help someone. I really appreciate it. :)
Hi there. I'm not sure if needed, but I've put your recipe into my recipe thingy on MyFitnessPal using local UK ingredients. I've put in 14 servings and came to the following values per serving:
kcals 133
Carbs 12g
Fat 8g
Protein 5g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 9g
I used:
Meridian Natural – Smooth Peanut Butter – No Added Sugar & No Added Salt, 165 g
Ktc – Chick Peas (Canned In Salted Water) 240gr Drained, 240 g
Rowse – Blossom Honey Pure & Natural, 4 tbsp (20g)
Generic – Baking Powder, 3 g = (1tsp)
Nestle – Milk Chocolate Chips, 90 g
No pinch of salt added, as the chick peas were in salted water whilst in the can.
I hope this helps someone who might be looking at nutritional values, etc.
I just made these today but my food processor is not the best and it wasn't "Smooth" but that's ok, they tasted divine. My husband could tell they weren't "real" chocolate chip cookies but he liked it. Then when I told him how I made them he got up and left and refused to eat anymore lol. I went and had 4 more considering the health benefits of garbanzo beans it seemed illogical to not eat these cookies! Thank you for a great recipe and please tell me what food processor you used.
Fatemeh Loves
*Please visit me on facebook if you are there as I would like to get updates on your recipes sooner!
Kathleen – I hope you like them! You're the first person who has mentioned that they like the metric amounts. Thank you so much for saying that! I sometimes wonder if it's even worth it. Now I know. :)
I'm getting ready to make these right now, and I want to thank you for giving us metric amounts. So many food bloggers do not do this, but for those of us who use grams, it makes a difference. Thanks!
Kathleen
Heidi – So happy that you like them and will make them again! Thanks for reporting back. :)
These are incredible! So easy and healthy! I will make these often!
Kim – I'm happy they passed the kid test! I don't even think my blender could handle this. I always need to add liquid for it to succeed in anything. I'm happy that you were able to do it in your small processor. :)
ksmith615 – It's so fun to trick the guys, isn't it?! Happy that these were a success for you. Thanks for the comment!
Poet4Him77 – Happy that you liked the dough! And that Peter Pan natural worked. I hope they were too greasy. :) Thanks for letting me know!
Haley – Yay! So happy that you were able to veganize them. Thanks for the feedback. :)
I LOVE THIS RECIPE! They are delicious. Very vegan friendly with the substitute of vegan chocolate chips!
Erin, these are AMAZING!!! It's so hard to believe these are made from chickpeas. They are so YUMMY! I actually like the cold dough better than the cookies. :) I used Peter Pan Natural PB and that worked out OK.
Keep the grain-free recipes coming!
I love a good recipe where I an hide the "healthy" and convince my boyfriend they are every bit as unhealthy as the original peanut butter chocolate chip cookie! He had NO idea what was in them. Love it. Many thanks!
I just made these today. They passed the kid-test. After my oldest daughter ate one, I told her that there were garbanzo beans in there and she was surprised.
The only downside is that it was pretty messy. I actually tried it in my blender first because my food processor is really small and then I had to move it over because my blender was not doing a good job. So it's probably my own fault. Not the best cookies in the world but good for a healthy cookie.