Guilt-free chocolate biscuits

It’s only natural to crave something sweet after dinner but more often than not we turn to unhealthy options like ice cream or chocolate to satisfy our needs. However, now you can enjoy a healthier option that still tastes just as delicious and looks even more appetising. These moreish treats are perfect for those looking to cut down on sugar but still wanting their fix of sweets throughout the day. This recipe replaces all the bad bits of normal chocolate biscuits with chickpeas, rolled oats and coconut for a tastier, healthier and more flavourful snack. Bake them in bulk, pop some in the freezer and enjoy them whenever you feel like a not-so-guilty treat!

Ingredients

• 10 dates, pitted, finely chopped
• 60ml (1/4 cup) boiling water
• 90g (1 cup) rolled oats
• 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed
• 45g (1/2 cup) desiccated coconut
• 75g (1/3 cup) solidified coconut oil, melted, cooled
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, plus extra to flatten
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C and line two baking trays with baking paper.
2. Add dates to a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 2 minutes to soften. Coarsely mash dates with a fork.
3. Add oats to a food processor. Process until chopped. Add dates, chickpeas, coconut, coconut oil, cocoa powder, baking powder, egg and vanilla. Process to combine together. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes to thicken.
4. Spoon level tablespoons of mixture onto prepared tray. Roll into balls. Dip tines of a fork in cocoa to prevent sticking, and press into each cookie first one way and then the other.
5. Bake in middle of oven for 10-15 minutes or until firm to touch. Cool on tray for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack. Serve.