Raw Chocolate Coconut Almond Breakfast Cookies
Cookies… for Breakfast?
Is this the part where you question whether or not I’m actually certified in nutrition? THE ANSWER IS YES. These are Raw, Gluten free, dairy free, Egg free, Vegan (with an easy substitute) and deeeeeelicious. These are the perfect grab and go snack, especially in the morning as you are running out the door because you hit snooze one too many times. Hey - it happens to the best of us! Having these babies prepped and ready to go for the week can ensure that you’re fueling your body right each morning, to set you up for nutritional success for the rest of the day. IE steady blood sugar, good amount of protein and healthy fats to keep you full…
Sprouted oats - Because they are sprouted, some of the starch has been broken down during the germinating process. This makes the percentage of nutrients higher, thus, sprouted grains have more available nutrients that mature grains. Those nutrients include B vitamins, iron, protein, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, folate. The germination process also reduces phytate (a phytic acid) which can decrease vitamin and mineral absorption in the body. This also makes the grains easier to digest, especially for people who have issues digesting grains.
Coconut Oil - contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) which has major brain benefiting effects - think brain power. Coconut oil also contains Lauric and Caprylic acid, which are anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and can help your good gut bacteria thrive.
Almond butter - A delicious, less-inflammatory, alternative to peanut butter. Because it’s been turned into a butter, you can digest more of the nutrients, than by chewing a bunch of almonds (unless you regularly chew all of your food to liquid). They’re Packed with protein, high in calcium, vitamin E and some B vitamins.
Raw cacao powder - not to be confused with COCOA powder. What is the difference? Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing un-roasted cacao beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter). COCOA looks the same but it's not - it is raw cacao that's been roasted at high temperatures (removing enzymes/and some nutrients). Raw cacao is very nutrient dense, and contains large amounts of magnesium, which is the mineral known for it’s relaxation properties, making it helpful with stress. It’s also high in antioxidants!
Chocolate Protein Powder from Botanica - Botanica Perfect Protein is an organic balanced protein blend of coconut, sprouted and fermented brown rice, and nutritionally-dense quinoa. With an ideal amino acid profile and 20g of protein per serving, Perfect Protein provides the most complete, digestible source of plant-based protein. Improved performance and absorption occur because Perfect Protein is packed with naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, and fibre. Plus there are no sweeteners of any kind, which are one of my biggest pet peeves with plant based protein powders.
This recipe was developed with Botanica protein in mind, meaning that because it includes no extra sweeteners, if you were to swap in a different chocolate protein, it may effect the taste and overall sweetness.
The tagline may be “Breakfast cookies” but nothing is stopping you from eating these any time of the day, like for dessert or before/after the gym!
The quality and freshness of Cacao nibs is important! For years I thought I just didn’t like them (despite my love for very dark chocolate) until I tried fresh ones from the Light Cellar.
Raw Chocolate Coconut Almond Breakfast Cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Yield: 12 servings (1 dozen)
ingredients
2 tbsp yacon syrup (or honey)
2 tbsp nut milk
3 tbsp virgin coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup organic almond butter
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1-2 tbsp raw cacao nibs
1 full scoop Botanica Chocolate Perfect Protein Powder.
1 cup oats - NOT quick oats, these sprouted oats are my favourite.
pink salt to taste
method
Add coconut oil to a small saucepan, heat over low heat until just melted.
Add in sweetener of choice, nut milk, vanilla and almond butter, and mix well to combine.
In a mixing bowl, mix together oats, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, Botanica protein powder, cacao powder, and a dash of pink salt .
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and ensure its fully combined
Taking approximately 1.5 tbsp of dough, roll into a ball and place on a silpat baking mat, or parchment paper - flatten ball
Once all 12 “cookies” are rolled, place in fridge for 1-2 hours.
Enjoy!