As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of warm chocolate wafted through the air, reminding me of the first time I baked my beloved whoopie pies for a family gathering. That day, I discovered the joy of bringing people together through food. Today, I wanted to create a healthier version of this classic treat that still captures the essence of comfort and nostalgia. With a twist of superfoods, these Choco-Chia Whoopie Pies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to fuel your day!

Ingredients

For the Choco-Chia Cookies:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Avocado-Cacao Filling:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, chia seeds, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir until well mixed. In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms. The chia seeds will absorb moisture and help bind the mixture together.

Using a tablespoon, scoop out the batter and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each scoop slightly with the back of the spoon to create a cookie shape.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the avocado-cacao filling. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

Once the cookies have cooled, take one cookie and spread a generous amount of the avocado-cacao filling on its flat side. Top with another cookie, flat side down, to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.

For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some hemp seeds or crushed nuts on the sides of the filling for added texture and nutrition. Serve these delightful Choco-Chia Whoopie Pies at your next gathering or enjoy them as a guilt-free treat any time of day!

As I took the first bite of my creation, the rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy filling took me back to those cherished family moments. It’s amazing how a simple dessert can create such lasting memories, all while nourishing the body and soul.