Picture this: you’ve just crushed your workout, and now you’re craving something sweet but still on track with your fitness goals. Enter these Healthy Vanilla Chocolate Molten Cookies—a dessert so good, you won’t believe it’s guilt-free. 💪
Think gooey chocolate lava centers wrapped in a soft vanilla cookie shell that’s packed with protein, natural sweetness, and zero unnecessary junk. These cookies are like a little celebration in every bite—perfect for treating yourself without derailing your goals.
Ready to bake some cookies that love you back? Let’s dive in! 🍫💥
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed: Thanks to almond flour and optional protein powder.
- Low sugar: Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Easy swaps for dietary preferences.
Healthy Vanilla Chocolate Molten Cookies
8
servings10
minutes10
minutes150
kcalIngredients (Makes 8 cookies)
- Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups almond flour (high in protein and gluten-free)
1 scoop (optional) vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
½ tsp baking soda
A pinch of salt
- Wet Ingredients:
¼ cup honey or maple syrup (natural sweetener)
2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
- Filling:
8 small squares of dark chocolate (85% or higher for antioxidants)
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, vanilla protein powder (if using), cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Create the Dough
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together easily but not be too sticky. - Shape Cookies
Scoop a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a piece of dark chocolate in the center, then fold the dough around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and chocolate squares. - Bake
Arrange the cookie balls on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten the tops (they won’t spread much). Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft. - Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm for the molten chocolate effect!
Nutritional Information (Approximate values)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 6g (higher if you include protein powder)
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g (from natural sweeteners and dark chocolate)
- Fat: 10g (healthy fats from almond flour and coconut oil)
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before shaping.
- Dark chocolate upgrade: Use sugar-free chocolate or chocolate infused with stevia for a keto-friendly option.
- Texture check: Don’t overbake! The gooey center is what makes these cookies irresistible.
Variations
- Keto-friendly: Swap honey with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour.
- Dairy-free: Ensure your chocolate is dairy-free and use flaxseed as an egg substitute.
Plating Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter for an extra protein boost. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a bakery-style finish.
📌 Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe for Later!
Love this recipe? Save it to your favorite Healthy Treats or Post-Workout Snacks board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever the craving for a gooey, guilt-free cookie strikes. Trust us, your future self will thank you! 🙌
