Chocolatey Peanut Butter Black Bean Cookies

These delicious cookies are actually good for you and make an excellent snack choice! They are made of black beans, so they are high in fiber and high in protein. They are also egg-free, gluten-free, and guilt-free.

I got a lot of positive comments on my Healthy Pie Crust From Beans Instructable and there was some interest in bean cookies, so I thought I'd give it a try. I never thought of using beans in cookies before, but the idea was too intriguing to pass up and the results are amazing!

Step 1: Ingredients

You will need:

• 1 19 ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained well
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1/3 cup of cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar (add more for a sweeter treat)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder

Optional: chocolate chips (I added 1/4 cup), chopped nuts, or dried cherries

You will also need a food processor (I used a Magic Bullet instead).

Step 2: Mix

Blend your beans, peanut butter, and milk together in a food processor until smooth. If you are using a Magic Bullet, blending your beans a little at a time will help with achieving a smoother final product.

In a medium bowl, combine the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and baking powder.

Next, mix your wet ingredients with your dry ingredients. Add the optional chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cherries.

Step 3: Bake

Drop tablespoons of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the dough down a little because the cookies don't spread much while baking. I was able to make 22 cookies from this recipe.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 25 minutes.

Once baked, let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the pan to firm up. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!