NomEatNom - Coconut Flour and Cacao Cookies

As many of you know, I thrive on experimental cooking. I’m always looking for new things to try and new creations to invent.

Today I have two fun ingredients to share with you: coconut flour and cacao nibs.

Let’s start with the coconut flour. For many, it’s no secret that coconut contains a wide array of health benefits, especially when it comes to taking care of your heart. It’s even been shown to help optimize body weight! Not only that, but it’s extremely versatile. For example, I keep a jar in my pantry and a jar in my bathroom.

That’s right. My bathroom.

You see, not only is coconut oil great for your internal health, but it also makes a fantastic hair conditioning treatment and lotion. Talk about getting a bang for your buck! Seriously, I LOVE THIS STUFF! I’ve never felt better and my skin and hair have never been softer.

Needless to say, I’ve been using coconut oil for awhile now, but this recipe was my first time experimenting with coconut flour. It contains many of the same health benefits of the oil, and it consists of 60% dietary fiber…so it keeps you full and satisfied. Talk about a great way to keep cravings at bay. And, oh my, is it tasty! It even adds a bit of natural sweetness to your recipe.

So, to summarize: coconut = gooooooooood.

Now, on to cacao nibs. Many of you are already aware of my deep devotion to dark chocolate. It’s a wonderful indulgence that is both nommy and healthy. Well, fasten your seatbelts, because cacao nibs even surpass dark chocolate when it comes to health benefits…and in many ways, nomminess!

How is that?? Well, because unlike dark chocolate, the nibs have absolutely nothing added to them and they are less processed, so they retain even more antioxidants. In fact, cacao nibs contain even more antioxidant flavonols than red wine (don’t worry, Red, I still love you, too!), blueberries, and green tea! I know some of you might think that they would be way too bitter with nothing added to them, but they truly aren’t. If you like dark chocolate, you will love cacao nibs!

Of course, I’m not saying to throw out your dark chocolate bars and only eat cacao nibs and coconut. As always, I believe there are many health benefits to be be found when we eat a variety of REAL foods. However, I can say that after tasting these delicious cookies, I will definitely be adding coconut flour and cacao nibs in my rotation of foods to nom on. After all, the less processed food is, the better!

On a final note, you may find that coconut flour can be a bit expensive. I will be exploring how to make my own, and will definitely write a post with the results to share with you!

Now, enough of me rambling…on to the cookies!!

Coconut Flour and Cacao Cookies
(Makes 1 1/2 dozen)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup virgin coconut oil*, melted
2 T date “sugar”
1/2 T pure vanilla extract
2 whole eggs
1/2 cup egg whites
1 super ripe banana, mashed
Pinch of sea salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut flour* (or make your own!)
1/3 cup cacao nibs
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

* If you order by clicking on any of my Tropical Traditions links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a FREE book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, egg whites, banana, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well blended.

Stir in the coconut flour with a spoon. Fold in the cacao nibs and shredded coconut.

Coat a large baking sheet (or two small) with nonstick cooking spray or coconut oil. Drop spoonfuls of the batter about an inch apart on the baking sheet. Flatten the spoonfuls lightly and sprinkle each cookie with a bit of extra shredded coconut, if desired.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the pan for 3 to 5 minutes.

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Nom them up!!

…Oh, and store any leftovers in an airtight container. 🙂