Healthy Quinoa Cookies

My WHOLE family is vacationing together in the Outer Banks this June.  It appears the reality of all of us looking at each other on the beach has begun to set in because we now have a family fitness challenge.  It even has a Facebook page, and considering the serious competitive nature of my family, this should prove an interesting venture. 

In the spirit of all that is healthy, I am sharing one version of my healthy quinoa cookies.  If you have not tried quinoa, go get some today.  It is considered a superfood and is gluten free.  Quinoa is a great source of protein, fiber, calcium, and iron.  It is versatile and quick to make.

I have made these many different ways, but this is the basic recipe.  They are cakey and EXTREMELY moist so be prepared.  They will not keep very long due to this moisture, so consider keeping them in the fridge or freezer.

Healthy Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Ingredients:

1/2 c. quinoa

1 c. water

1 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

1 banana, very ripe

1/2 c. applesauce (I used Kroger brand cinnamon applesauce)

1/4 c. brown sugar

4 Tbsp. butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. chocolate chips

 

Directions:

Combine quinoa and water and bring to a boil.  Reduce to simmer, cover and cook until all water is absorbed (12-15 minutes).

Mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Add cooked quinoa.

Mash banana in large bowl.  Add applesauce, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.

Stir quinoa mixture into wet ingredients.  Fold in chocolate chips.

Drop by the heaping tablespoon onto parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.  Immediately remove to cooling rack.

Store in the refrigerator.

 

*For you Weight Watchers out there, two cookies (this makes 36 cookies) is 3 points plus.*