Matcha and Carob Cookies

These matcha and carob cookies are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth while giving you a boost of energy without the crash!

What better way to get in that caffeine kick than in cookie form! Yup! You heard me right! These matcha and carob cookies are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth while giving you a boost of energy without the crash!If you are wanting a cookie that is naturally low in sugar then look no further. Carob powder is used in this recipe because of its natural sweetness. In fact, it is often used as a replacement for chocolate.

I know, I know -- why would you ever want to replace chocolate? Well, according to the National Headache Foundation, foods that contain tyramine may trigger migraine headaches… And what foods contain tyramine? Unfortunately, chocolate. That is why people who get migraines are recommended to avoid chocolate. Additionally, some people may avoid chocolate for other reasons, whether it’s because of allergies to dairy (certain chocolates contain milk) or because of personal dietary restrictions.

If you want to make these matcha cookies with chocolate, you can see my notes at the end of the post. Otherwise, I wanted to add this recipe to my blog to show those who avoid chocolate or dairy in their diet that it is definitely possible to satisfy your chocolate cravings using an alternative ingredient. The good news is that carob powder works really well as a substitute for chocolate… And it works really well together with matcha.

Have you ever had matcha tea? Matcha tea is actually just finely grounded green tea leaves. It is essentially a concentrated form of green tea, which means it retains most of its antioxidants. Matcha also contains a unique form of caffeine known as theophylline which sustains the energy levels without any adverse effects. So, not only does the subtle, earthy taste profile of matcha complement perfectly with the natural sweetness of carob, but the combination of the two in this recipe results in a cookie without the sugar or caffeine crash.

Fun fact: Carob powder is dog-friendly! Carob does not contain high levels of theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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These matcha and carob cookies are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth while giving you a boost of energy without the crash!

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup fine almond flour

• 1/2 cup GF all purpose baking flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 Tbsp carob powder

• 1 Tbsp matcha powder

• pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup organic light brown sugar (packed)

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil

• 1 egg (room temperature)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Sift flours, salt, soda, matcha and carob powder in a bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and melted coconut oil until creamy and smooth. Then whisk in vanilla and egg.

3. Slowly add dry mix to wet mix until fully incorporated.

4. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

5. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon 1 Tbsp mixture and form into balls and press onto baking sheet.

6. Bake for 10-15 minutes cool on rack and dust with matcha and/or carob powder for visual presentation if desired.

NOTES

1. Best when right out of the oven with a glass of cold milk of choice and straight out the fridge!

2. For the chocolate version, just substitute 1 Tbsp of carob powder for cocoa powder, ¼ cup organic light brown sugar for ½ cup organic light brown sugar and ¼ cup organic dark chocolate chips.