Foodie Fridays: Coconut Almond Cacao Nibs Cookies

Lately I have been on a mission to use up leftover ingredients in my kitchen in an effort to empty out the pantry and fridge for our eventual move to New Mexico.  Finding half-used bags of both coconut and cacao nibs in the pantry, I searched online for a recipe that would incorporate these ingredients.  I ended up modifying a recipe for Coconut Almond Cookies and added the cacao nibs.  I even used most of some key lime frosting that has been languishing in the fridge for an embarrassingly long time (but I was still unable to use it up completely!).

These cookies are amazingly good, with or without frosting - they are nicely crisp on the outside and delicately tender on the inside.  The cacao nibs are a good balance of bitterness to the sweetness of the cookies, especially if they are frosted.  I think these tasty treats are even better than chocolate chip cookies, and I actually prefer the fact that the recipe only yields eight servings.  I wouldn't exactly call them healthy, but if you feel the need to satisfy a sweet tooth then they are better for you than most cookie recipes!

Coconut Almond Cacao Nibs Cookies

1 C. unsweetened shredded coconut
1 C. almond flour
1 egg
4 T. coconut sugar
4 T. coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
1/3 C. dark chocolate cacao nibs*
Frosting (optional)

Blend all ingredients except the frosting together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.  Form the dough into a ball and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm.  Divide the dough into eight portions.  Roll each portion into balls and place on a Silpat- or parchment-lined cookie sheet.  Flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2-inch thick with your fingers.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, until the sides are golden brown.  Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.  Remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and cool completely.  If desired, frost the tops.  Makes 8 cookies.

*I used Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Cacao Nibs, which no longer seem to be readily available, but you can find other brands on Amazon.