Chocolate Chickpea Cookies | Gluten & Grain-Free, Plant-Based

Grain-free chocolate chickpea cookies—Packed with protein, fiber, and free from common allergens—perfect for healthy snacks, lunchboxes, and guilt-free indulgence. These naturally gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free, and dairy-free cookies are made with nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas and nut butter, delivering a boost of plant-based protein and fiber. Sweetened with your choice of maple syrup, or date syrup and studded with chocolate chips, the perfect balance between indulgent and nourishing. 

A Chocolate Treat You Can Feel Good About

Whether you’re avoiding gluten, dairy, eggs or refined sugar, these cookies don’t compromise on texture or flavor. They’re perfect for tucking into your child’s lunch box or enjoying as a power-packed snack at work. And if you’re like me—you might just sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top. Use as many as your chocolate-loving heart desires!

Healthy School Snacks & Lunchbox Treats: Chocolate Chickpea Cookies

This is a kid-friendly allergy-free snack because these chocolate chickpea cookies are free from grains, dairy, gluten, refined sugar, and eggs—making them a safe and inclusive option for most school settings. Beyond being allergy-friendly, and gluten-free, they’re a nourishing snack that adds plant-based protein and fiber to your child’s day—without sacrificing flavor.

7 Reasons Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chickpea Cookies

1. Naturally soft with a slightly fudgy texture
2. Lightly risen from baking powder, while staying gooey in the center
3. Hold together beautifully without eggs, thanks to chickpeas and nut butter
4. Quick and easy to make using just a food processor
5. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber for a nourishing treat
6. Completely grain-free, dairy-free, and egg-free
7. Only 6 ingredients

Nut & Seed Butter Substitutes for Almond Butter

Cashew butter: Mild, buttery flavor, makes soft rich cookies

Pecan or walnut butter: Buttery and soft, may be a bit thinner best combined with 1/4 cup cocoa powder or 2 tablespoons of coconut flour

Tahini: More bitter, savory flavor, best when paired with dark chocolate

Flavor Pairing Ideas:

• Tahini + dark chocolate = rich and complex
• Cashew or almond butter + cocoa = classic brownie-like
• Sunflower butter + maple syrup = school-safe and nut-free

Tips

If your alternative butter is runny, you might want to chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking or add 1–2 tsp of coconut flour to help it firm up (still grain-free).

If your butter is very thick or dry, you can add 1–2 tsp plant milk or water to help with blending.

Allergy Notes

If using store-bought ingredients, be mindful of possible cross-contamination risks. For peanut allergies, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter to keep these cookies nut-free and safe for most allergy-sensitive diets.

Why These Grain-Free Cookies Are Healthy:

• Chickpeas provide fiber, plant-based protein, and slow-digesting carbs.
• Nut or seed butter adds healthy fats and more protein.
• Maple syrup or honey is a natural sweetener, lower glycemic than white sugar.
• They’re grain-free and gluten-free — no white or processed flour.
• Chickpeas serve as the structure and bulk without spiking blood sugar as quickly.
• No Dairy, No Eggs
• No cholesterol from eggs or butter.
• Just 1/3 cup of sweetener for the whole batch — that’s relatively low.
• Nut and seed butters are rich in unsaturated fats, which support heart and brain health, according to heart org.

Easy, Nutritious, and Fuss-Free

This simple cookie recipe comes together in minutes with just a food processor (I love this small 4 cup food processor version)—no mixing bowls or mixers needed. Quick to bake, it’s perfect for busy parents, beginner bakers, or anyone craving a nutritious treat without the hassle.

How to Store Your Wholesome Cookies

Let cookies cool completely, then store in the fridge for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Can’t get enough cookies? Sink your teeth into our 5 all-time favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes!

5 Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (Grain-Free, Dairy-Free)

Classic Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Mocha Cookie

6 Ingredient Grain-Free Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

One Bowl Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Final Thoughts: Chocolate Chickpea Cookies Made Easy

These gluten-free, vegan chocolate chickpea cookies are a simple, wholesome treat that fits perfectly into gluten-free and allergy-friendly diets. Made in a food processor and packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness, they’re great for meal prep—perfect for school lunches, work snacks, or anytime you need a quick, nourishing energy bite.