Healthy Espresso Cookie Dough

Healthy Espresso Cookie Dough is a delicious dessert full of rich, creamy cookie dough flavor. This no-bake vegan recipe uses only seven ingredients and is perfect for any palate, especially coffee lovers!

The most delicious edible cookie dough recipe

I don't know about you, but I always prefer the cookie dough over the baked cookies. The dough is deliciously sweet and sooo satisfying when eaten by the spoon! Whenever I head to my kitchen to make cookies, chances are I'm gonna eat at least a few cookies' worth of dough.

I know this isn't the best habit, especially considering the health concerns that are involved with eating raw cookie dough. I just can't help it!

However, I know that this is a guilty pleasure that must be broken, and for that reason I'm graduating to cookie dough's safer alternative with a batter that's actually deemed safe to consume. And, not only is this cookie dough edible, it's also made with espresso! A delicious and sweet snack that includes caffeine? That's a big yes from me!

Next time you head to the store, be sure to stock up on the handful of ingredients needed to make this recipe. You won't be disappointed!

Ingredients used in edible cookie dough

Edible espresso cookie dough is an easy, seven-ingredient recipe. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry, especially if you have a big sweet tooth or love to bake!

Made into delicious bite sized cookie dough rounds, I love to leave a stash of these in my fridge for easy access. Whenever I'm craving chocolate or need a little boost of energy, this quick snack does the trick! I love having them right there in my fridge, ready to enjoy.

Here's everything you'll need to make your delicious healthy dessert:

• Cashew butter
• Maple syrup
• Almond flour
• Espresso powder or instant coffee
• Vanilla
• Chocolate chunks
• Sea salt

The tools you'll need to make espresso cookie dough

There are a number of items you'll need for your healthy dessert. First, you'll need a mixing bowl and some sort of stirring utensil, such as a spatula or spoon. For meting the chocolate, you'll need a microwave-safe dish or a doubler broiler.

Finally, you'll need some sort of tray or dish to arrange your cookie dough bites for the chocolate drizzle step. A baking sheet, tray, or a large plate will work.

How to make healthy espresso cookie dough

The best part about this recipe is that it's a no-bake dessert that is essentially ready in no time at all. It requires a bit of refrigeration, but that's it!

Start by combining the cashew butter, maple syrup, almond flour, espresso powder, and vanilla in a large bowl.

Next, stir in the chocolate.

When all of the ingredients are well combined, store the mixture in the refrigerator for one hour.

Remove the dough from the fridge.

Measure out 2 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or tray. Repeat until you've used all of the cookie dough.

Melt some chocolate by using a double broiler or by heating microwave in 10-15 second increments.

Once melted, drizzle the chocolate onto the cookie dough balls. Add a small pinch of sea salt on top of each ball.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and then enjoy!

A healthier edible cookie dough recipe

Every single ingredient used to make healthy espresso cookie dough was hand selected to create the healthiest dessert possible. Together, these ingredients create a flavor that is unmatched!

Cashew butter
I often use cashew butter in place of peanut butter, both for the nutrients and the taste. Cashew butter contains healthy amounts of copper, phosphorus, and iron.

Maple syrup
By now, you've probably seen me mention maple syrup once or twice. It's just the best all-natural sweetener I've ever tried! It tastes delicious and doesn't include nearly as much sugar as processed white sugar.

Almond flour
When compared to all-purpose flour, almond flour is far more nutrient-rich. In fact, this type of flour contains protein, fiber, calcium, and iron.

Chocolate chunks
When choosing my chocolate, I like to go for all-natural brands like Pascha, Taza, or Equal Exchange. By going with an organic, all-natural brand, you're able to reduce the amount of preservatives and artificial ingredients present in your espresso dessert.

Sea salt
Finally, my last healthy swap comes with the salt! Though sea salt and table salt contain similar amounts of sodium, table salt is highly processed and therefore void of most nutrients. Sea salt is the ideal option!

Cookie dough recipe ingredient swap options

If you find yourself wanting to mix and match the ingredients in this recipe, you may be interested in these ideas!

• Cashew butter: Cashew butter can be swapped with almond or peanut butter. SunButter, a popular nut-free butter will also work. Note: Changing the nut butter used may alter the final flavor.
• Maple syrup: If you don't like maple syrup, you can use molasses or honey in its place.
• Chocolate chunks: The chocolate chunks used in this recipe don't have to be milk chocolate! You can also use dark chocolate, or, for something a little different, white chocolate!

For a vegan cookie dough, simply opt for dairy-free dark chocolate.

Homemade cookie dough tips

Have a couple questions about making edible cookie dough? I have the answers! If you don't see your question answered below, feel free to leave a comment.

Can't I just eat regular cookie dough?
Well, you technically could, but regular cookie dough includes ingredients that aren't meant to be consumed raw. Eating certain ingredients before they're cooked could make you sick. Stick to edible cookie dough for cookie dough-eating purposes!

Can I bake some of this cookie dough?
I do not recommend baking this espresso cookie dough. The ingredients were chosen specifically for enjoying as a dough, and they will not translate well when baked. For a regular cookie recipe, here is one of my favorite simple gluten free chocolate chip cookie recipes.

What are some add-ons I can include in this recipe?
To give your espresso cookie dough a twist, get creative! Add whatever you'd like to this recipe, whether it be sprinkles, different flavored chocolate chips, or even crushed pretzels for a salty sweet combo. The options are endless!

How do I store healthy espresso cookie dough?
These cookie dough bites should be kept in the refrigerator. Keep them in a securely sealed container to preserve the taste and texture.

Try these cookie dough recipes too!

If you love cookie dough flavored recipes, these are a must try. Go for the Cookie Dough Bars first. They're incredible and only require five ingredients!

• Healthy Cookie Dough Bars
• Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls
• Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream
• Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis