Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I’ve been trying to eat healthier in preparation for my wedding, but anyone with a sweet tooth knows that it’s not easy! I decided to bake cookies using almond butter, and found this recipe. Almonds in all forms (e.g., raw nuts, milk, butter, flour) are healthier alternatives to other food and snacks. They contain monounsaturated fats, which are healthy fats that help lower cholesterol and even help prevent weight gain. They are also an excellent source of vitamin E, minerals, protein, and fiber. You can visit nuts.com for more facts about almonds.

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients for Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
10 oz (2 cups) whole almonds (or 1 cup almond butter)
¹/₂ tsp baking soda
¹/₂ tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
110 g (¹/₃ cup) honey
2 oz (¹/₂ cup) dark chocolate chips or chunks

Prepare the almond butter: Spread the almonds on a baking sheet. Roast the almonds, stirring once or twice, for 10 minutes at 350°F. Grind the roasted almonds in a food processor for approximately 15-20 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the ground almonds reach a smooth, creamy consistency. Place the almond butter in the refrigerator until it cools down.

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Make the cookie batter: Place the food processor bowl containing the almond butter back on the food processor, and add the baking soda, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Pulse a few items to distribute the mixture. Add the egg and honey to the food processor, and blend until a ball of cookie dough forms (this does not take long at all). Remove the blade, and fold in the dark chocolate.

Mix the almond butter with baking soda, sea salt, vanilla extract, egg, and honey.

Once a ball of dough forms, fold in the chocolate chips/chunks.

Place 3-Tbs sized balls of cookie dough on a baking sheet.

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 9-11 minutes.

Bake the cookies: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie dough scoop, place the balls of dough on a baking sheet. Gently press down on each mound of cookie dough. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 9-11 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Yields: 9 cookies

I love how these cookies are guilt-free and easy to make! My only mistake was not letting my almond butter completely cool down, which ended up melting some of the chocolate–I was too impatient to wait! Luckily, the cookies still turned out chewy and delicious. What are some of your go-to recipes for guilt-free desserts? Comment below and let me know!