Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

What's better than a hot gooey chocolate chip cookie? How about a hot gooey chocolate chip cookie you don't have to feel guilty about? They may not be as pretty as a traditional chocolate chip, but they taste just as good. I was shocked when I took my first bite expecting a nutty and bitter chocolate flavor, but to my surprise it tasted amazing. You don't have to worry about these being too fattening since they're made mostly from nuts. I would take healthy fat from nuts over processed sugar any day. If you are looking for a healthy delicious, better-for-you alternative to the chocolate chip this is it! I found this recipe from Mark's Daily Apple.


Printable Recipe 


Ingredients:
4 dates, pits removed
1 1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup pecans
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbs coconut oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (I like 73% cacao)

Instructions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
-Grind dates in the food processor until a paste forms, about 40 seconds. Add walnuts and pecans and blend until very finely chopped, about 35 seconds. Add baking soda and salt and pulse a few more times
-Warm the coconut oil so it is in liquid form. With the food processor running, drizzle it into the batter with the egg and vanilla. Stop mixing as soon as the egg and oil are blended in.
-Scrape the batter into a bowl and stir in coconut and chocolate chips by hand. The dough will be sticky and wet.
-Drop 12 portions of the dough onto a cookie sheet, then flatten slightly with your fingers.
-Bake 10-15 minutes, or until nicely browned

Servings: 1 dozen cookies