Have you ever tried quinoa in a cookie? It's time you do!

Imagine sinking your teeth into a delectable treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides nutrition. That's where this vegan quinoa cookie recipe comes in - a fusion of taste and nutrition in one bite.

Quinoa nutrition

According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Data Central, one cup (185g) of cooked quinoa contains:

• 8.14g of protein (16% DV)
• 222 calories 
• 5.18g of fibre (18.5% DV)
• 31.4 mg of calcium (2.4% DV)
• 2.76 mg of iron (15.3% DV)
• 118 mg of magnesium (28.1% DV)
• 281mg of phosphorus (22.4% DV)
• 318 mg of potassium (6.7% DV)
• 2.02 mg of zinc (18.3% DV)
• 5.18 ug of selenium (9.4% DV)
• 77 ug of folate (19.2% DV)
• 42.6 mg of choline 
• 5.55 ug of beta carotene
• 9.25 IU vitamin A (1% DV)

Not bad for a cookie recipe!

Quick quinoa facts

Quinoa is an ancient grain known for its broad nutritional benefits. Its origins can be traced back to the Andean region of South America, standing the test of time as a staple food for ancient civilizations like the Incas, Aymaras, and Quechuas.

Thanks to Nourish You, India's pioneering superfood brand, quinoa (and chia seeds) are cultivated locally and sustainably in India. Every grain of quinoa is also free from saponin, chemicals, or pesticides. 

So, what makes quinoa so special? It's vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From savoury to sweet, spicy to mild, quinoa can be added into a myriad of dishes to add extra nutrition in even your favourite foods.

Let's also not forget about quinoa's colourful varieties, ranging from white and black to red and tri-colour.

But what makes quinoa so incredible is how sustainable it is as a crop. It can thrive in harsh conditions with minimal water and resources, providing robust nutrition and food security in regions wrestling with drought and environmental challenges.

All of these things combined have amounted to quinoa's popularity explosion over the past decade. Now, it's your turn to experience the magic and nourishment of quinoa with this tasty cookie recipe! 

Vegan quinoa cookie recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup runny almond butter (or any other nut/seed butter)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup/agave nectar/date syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, rolled oats, almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.
3. If using, fold in the raisins or chocolate chips into the cookie dough mixture.
4. Using a spoon, make cookie dough balls and space them out on your baking sheet.
5. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!