Begin by draining and rinsing the garbanzo beans in a colander. It’s essential to remove any excess moisture, so I like to pat them dry with a paper towel.
Next, transfer the chickpeas to a food processor or a high-speed blender. This is where the magic happens! Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract (if using), protein powder (if adding), and sea salt.
Secure the lid on your chosen appliance and pulse the mixture until a thick, dough-like consistency forms. You might need to pause occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure everything blends evenly.
Your goal is to have a thick and cohesive dough that holds together without sticking to your fingers. This usually takes a few minutes of processing.
Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Now comes the fun part! Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into cookie shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
If you want to make your cookie dough even more decadent, press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of each one. This not only looks appealing but ensures every bite is packed with chocolate goodness.
Enjoy a taste of your freshly made cookie dough right away, or transfer the cookies to the refrigerator to chill for a firmer texture.
For long-term storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to ten days, or you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to three months.