Cookie Friday Comeback: Cherry Chocolate Coconut Quinoa Cookies

COOKIE FRIDAY!! Did you miss it? I brought it back in a healthier fashion today.

Cherry Chocolate Coconut Quinoa Cookies (adapted from Running to the Kitchen)

• 1/3 cup quinoa
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons dried cherries
• 3 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/8 cup almonds
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon agave
• 1 tablespoon Earth Balance Coconut Spread

Directions: 

Rinse quinoa. Combine water and quinoa in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer and cook covered until water is fully absorbed (you want it on the dry side.) While quinoa is cooking, combine cherries, coconut, and almonds in food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to small bowl. Once quinoa is cooked, spread out on baking sheet or another flat surface to let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, add to bowl with almond/cherry mixture. Add agave, coconut spread, and chocolate chips and fold together. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat. Roll quinoa mixture into balls and place on sheet (this is a messy process, embrace it by licking your fingers at the end .) Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, until quinoa becomes golden and crispy on the outside. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for at least 10 minutes.

I posted a picture of these on my Instagram feed, and here’s a quote from a true friend, kindred spirit, and the original corrieanne.com reader:

Hahaha.

I will tell you the truth. Kevin came in the door, and when offered a cookie took the SMALLEST one. The one that I had already taken a bite out of. And although he claimed they were good, it was the only one he ate. I like them! I think they taste kind of granola/trail mix-y! I live in Denver!! That’s what I’m supposed to eat. Lol

And then this happened:

A couple from the church we visited last week lives in our neighborhood, and they stopped by with some “welcome” cookies. Chocolate chip. My quinoa cookies don’t stand a chance!!!! Haha.

And wouldn’t you know it? They mentioned that they were watching the Olympic ceremonies with some friends and invited us to come over. I POUNCED on that one. Lol. Normally I’m a total hermit, but they chose the one activity that could get me to leave my house at 8:30PM on a Friday night!!!!

Weren’t the independent athletes the best?!!

Seriously! No need to be so somber!! You’re in the Olympics! You’re already a winner. Haha.

We really had a great time hanging out with the group and met several additional couples who live in the neighborhood. I’ve already let them know that I intend to be at their house every day while the Olympics are on. They seem to be okay with it. Maybe because they don’t know I have a blog yet… Lol.

Bird food cookies or choc chip? I’d honestly choose the bird food!! Lol. But I know that’s just because I’m not a cookie person.

What was your favorite part of the Opening Ceremony? The independent athletes. And seeing Kate!!! Where was Pippa???? And I didn’t see Kara Goucher either. How disappointing. Did you catch her?