Snickerdoodle Chickpea Blondies

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft, cinnamon-sugar coated blondie that melts in your mouth. These Snickerdoodle Chickpea Blondies are a healthy twist on a classic treat—packed with protein, naturally sweetened, and incredibly satisfying.

What sets this recipe apart is the use of chickpeas instead of flour or butter as a base. You’ll get all the chewy, gooey texture of a traditional blondie but with added nutrients and fiber. Whether you’re gluten-free, looking to cut back on refined flour, or just want a delicious dessert with benefits, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love These Snickerdoodle Chickpea Blondies

These aren’t just any blondies—they’re:

Naturally gluten-free with no refined flour.
Protein-rich thanks to chickpeas and nut butter.
Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey.
Infused with snickerdoodle flavor—cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla.
Soft, moist, and chewy, just like what you see in the photo.
Perfect for meal prep, dessert, or an energy-boosting snack.

Whether you’re baking for your family or prepping a healthy snack for yourself, these blondies are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in taste, texture, and nutrition. Here’s what you need:

Pantry Staples:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas – Drained and rinsed. Chickpeas provide a creamy texture and serve as the base of the recipe.
¼ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter – Nut butter adds richness and healthy fats. Choose natural for the cleanest flavor.
¼ cup maple syrup or honey – For natural sweetness. Maple syrup gives a deep caramel note, while honey offers a floral tone.
2 tsp vanilla extract – Brings warmth and rounds out the snickerdoodle flavor.
1 tsp baking powder – Helps lift the blondies slightly, giving a soft, tender bite.
1 tsp ground cinnamon – The hero spice of any snickerdoodle recipe.
¼ tsp salt – Enhances every other flavor.
2 tbsp coconut flour or oat flour – Helps bind the batter and add body.
2 tbsp sugar (optional) – Use if you prefer a sweeter blondie. Coconut sugar or organic cane sugar both work well.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

1 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon

This cinnamon-sugar blend sprinkled on top adds sparkle, texture, and that classic snickerdoodle finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal and cleanup.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a food processor or high-powered blender, add:
- Drained chickpeas
- Nut butter
- Maple syrup (or honey)
- Vanilla extract
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should resemble thick peanut butter.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in:
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Coconut or oat flour
Blend again until fully combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable.

4. Spread into Pan

Scoop the batter into the prepared pan.
Use a spatula or spoon to smooth the surface evenly from corner to corner.

5. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Mix the cinnamon and sugar topping in a small bowl.
Sprinkle it evenly across the top of the batter for a sparkling, cinnamon-coated finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until:
- The edges are lightly golden.
- A toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Don’t overbake! You want the inside soft and chewy, not dry.

7. Let Them Cool Completely

This step is key! Allow the blondies to cool fully before slicing. This helps them firm up and keeps the texture dense and fudgy.

Storage and Serving Tips

Once your blondies are cool and sliced, here’s how to enjoy and store them:

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy as a pre-workout snack or protein-packed dessert.
Pack them in lunchboxes or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

How to Store:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap each square in parchment, freeze up to 2 months.

Tip: Warm frozen blondies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Nutritional Benefits of Chickpeas in Baking

Using chickpeas in baking isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart way to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Here’s what makes chickpeas a great choice:

High in plant-based protein – Keeps you full and satisfied.
Rich in fiber – Supports digestion and heart health.
Mild flavor – Blends seamlessly with sweet ingredients.
Low glycemic index – Helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

In these blondies, chickpeas replace traditional flour and butter, lowering the fat and carb content while adding protein and texture.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your Snickerdoodle Chickpea Blondies? Here are some delicious ways to change them up:

Flavor Variations:

Add chocolate chips – For a chocolate-snickerdoodle hybrid.
Swirl in almond butter – Create a marbled, nutty top layer.
Use pumpkin spice – For a fall twist on the classic flavor.

Texture Boosters:

Chopped pecans or walnuts – Add crunch and richness.
Shredded coconut – For tropical flair and chewy texture.
Raisins or dried cranberries – For a fruity pop.

Dietary Adaptations:

Vegan option: Use maple syrup and plant-based nut butter.
Nut-free version: Replace nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Lower sugar: Skip the optional sugar and reduce cinnamon-sugar topping.

The base recipe is forgiving, flexible, and ideal for experimentation.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Can I taste the chickpeas?

Nope! When blended well and combined with cinnamon, vanilla, and nut butter, the chickpeas become completely neutral in taste. All you’ll notice is the dense, moist texture.

What if I don’t have coconut or oat flour?

You can make oat flour by blending rolled oats into a fine powder. Coconut flour is more absorbent, so if you substitute with oat flour, you may need slightly more (start with 2½ tbsp).

My blondies came out too soft—what happened?

That’s normal! These are naturally very moist due to the chickpeas and maple syrup. Just make sure to let them cool completely, and they will firm up beautifully.

Why These Blondies Are a Smart Sweet Choice

Unlike traditional blondies loaded with butter, sugar, and white flour, these chickpea-based treats are:

Refined sugar optional – Sweetened with natural ingredients.
Nutrient-dense – Packed with protein, fiber, and good fats.
Easy to digest – Thanks to whole-food ingredients.
Lower calorie – A great dessert for mindful eating.

And most importantly, they look and taste indulgent—golden, dense, and sugar-dusted—just like the image you see.

Final Thoughts: A Guilt-Free Treat That Tastes Like Dessert

These Snickerdoodle Chickpea Blondies prove that healthy desserts don’t have to compromise on flavor or texture. With a perfectly chewy center, crisp edges, and a cinnamon-sugar crust, they’re as comforting as your favorite snickerdoodle cookie, but packed with feel-good ingredients.

Perfect for weeknight baking, kid-friendly snacking, or sneaking an extra square after dinner—you’ll want to make these again and again.