Want something a little nuttier than your typical chocolate chip cookie? Try these on for size! They're chewy, sweet, and a little crunchy.
About a month ago I bought a bag of cacao nibs, but then didn't really know what to do with them. The nibs have a fairly bitter, not-so-sweet flavor, so just throwing them into cookies as is wasn't the taste I was looking for. Instead, I candied them first. And discovered a yummy treat along the way.
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| Candied cacao nibs |
Candied Cacao Nibs
- 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp Cacao Nibs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp butter/margarine/Earth Balance
Place the cacao nibs and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves; this may take about 10 minutes or so. One fully dissolved, add in the butter and mix until coated. Pour the candied nibs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow to cool to room temp. Store in a plastic baggie or air-tight container once completely cooled, or use in the cookies below!
I used the chocolate chip cookie recipe from
Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar for these, but made the following changes:
- I reduced the oil from 3/4 cup to 1/2 cup and added about 1/4 large banana
- I reduced the chocolate chips from 3/4 cup to 1/2 cup
- I added 1/4 cup chopped cherries (I love a good chocolate/cherry combo!)
- I used about 1/2 of the cacao nibs from above, placing on top of the cookies once dropped on the cookie sheet
The cacao nibs definitely add a nutty flavor to the cookies, and even candied they do have a little bit of a bitter taste, almost reminiscent of espresso actually- so they may not be for everyone. But the crunchy, semi-sweet candied cacao nibs make for a nice change to your typical cookie! Or, snack on the candied cacao nibs for a different treat!
This is so neat, I never thought to candy cacao nibs - brilliant!
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned, it might be dangerous ;-) I also think the candied nibs would go well with some almonds and dried cherries or cranberries for a different kind of trail mix snack!
DeleteI agree that cacao nibs can be a bit too bitter to eat on their own, and aren't exactly a substitute for chocolate chips. I mostly use mine in raw energy balls or in smoothies. I love this idea though to sweeten them up a bit for a treat!
ReplyDeleteI need to try them in energy balls! How are they in smoothies? I always thought the crunch would be weird.... or do they blend in your blender?
DeleteI usually add them at the end and just blend up them up partially, so the pieces aren't as big. And sometimes I'll add a sprinkle on top too if it's a really thick smoothie. I love the bit of crunch they add!
DeleteAh ok- I'll have to try that- thanks!
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