Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Would it surprise you to know that having a chocolate treat can actually be good for you?!

Why yes, it is possible!!!

We are talking real-deal chocolate treat hear people; Homemade Chocolate Macaroons.

This recipe is packed with nutrition from raw cacao powder and is sweetened with unrefined sucanat. You could also use coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index. In fact I've made these with both and they turned out perfectly the same.

Please do yourself a favour and get yourself some raw chocolate cacao powder. It's out of this world chocolatey and oh-so-good! Cacao is actually an unprocessed form of chocolate. It has a wealth of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals, such as:

• Magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese
• Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, E
• Flavonoids that have antioxidant properties
• Essential heart-healthy fat: oleic acid a monounsaturated fat
• Protein and fiber

How's that for a superfood packed with nutrients? Plus, there are no trans-fats or cholesterol.

The nutrients found in raw cacao have been linked to a number of health benefits. It can support a healthy heart by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, and lowering LDL cholesterol. So now you can have your chocolate and eat it too.

This is quite possibly one of the easiest dessert recipes you'll ever make. Score! 

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

by Jennifer Trennum

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Keywords: bake dessert gluten-free grain-free nut-free soy-free cacao powder coconut chocolate cookie

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Ingredients (makes 9-12 cookies)

• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 2 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder, or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar, or sucanat
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Heat oven to 325˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bring a small saucepan of water to a simmer. Place chocolate chunks in a small bowl heat-proof bowl, and set over saucepan. Stir until chocolate is melted, and set aside to cool.

In a large bowl or stand mixer with paddle attachment, stir together the coconut, cacao powder, sugar, and sea salt. Beat in the egg whites and vanilla until incorporated. Stir in cooled chocolate and mix until everything is well combined.

Using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, drop about 2.5 Tablespoons of the batter onto prepared baking sheet - space at least 2 inches apart.

Bake for 15 minutes or until just set. They will take on a shiny look. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheets to let the macaroons firm up. Store in a sealed container. These macaroons do very well in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 2 months.

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Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bites

By now you guys know I have a bit of an obsession with nut butters. Don't worry I'm not turning the blog into a nut butter recipe archive. Although...no don't worry, I'm just kidding.

I realize I've been posting quite a few snack recipes lately. That's because I love to make quick and easy snacks that have lots of functional nutrition for the body. Homemade grab-and-go snacks are my favourite kind. I promise I'll get back to posting more meal recipes. But for now I've got one more delicious one to share with you.

These chocolate chip oatmeal bites are full of peanut butter flavour and healthy fats to keep you feeling satiated. If you're not a big fan of peanut butter try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter. But I'm sure many people would agree with me if I said peanut butter completes chocolate.

Made with 5 simple ingredients! No grains, No dairy, No gluten, and No refined sugars...and no oven required.

Seriously what's not to love?

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bites gluten-free, vegan | Yields: 16 balls

adapted from Gimme Some Oven's No Bake Energy Bites

Print or email this recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup + 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (or your favourtie nut butter)

Instructions: 

1. In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond flour, coconut and chocolate chips. 
2. Add peanut butter and mix together thoroughly. 
3. Scoop the mixture out of the bowl using a mini ice cream scoop or spoon and then using your hands, roll into balls.

*Tip* Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 ball Calories: 142 Fat: 10g Fiber: 2g Protein: 6g Sodium: 0mg Carbohydrates: 8g Sugar: 1g

If you like these check out these Peanut Butter Energy Bites