Someone take this bottle of chocolate syrup away from me.
It’s getting out of control.
Really out of control.
Imagine: Cookies that taste like hot chocolate!
Melting slowly in your mouth like a truffle.
Like a rich, chocolatey truffle. And yet these hot chocolate cookies are healthier than you could ever imagine, with absolutely no added sugars. I think my dreams are made of these chocolate cookies.
Is it bedtime yet?
(Above, little balls of hot chocolate, waiting to jump into the oven… and then into my mouth!!)
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Loosely inspired by this popular recipe.
- 1 cup spelt flour or all-purpose (120g) (See below link for gluten-free option)
- 2 T cocoa powder (or hot cocoa mix)
- packed 1/4 cup pitted dates (45g)
- scant 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup chocolate chips (170g)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3-4 T unrefined coconut oil
In a food processor, blend first five ingredients until dates are finely pulverized. In a separate bowl, combine vanilla, oil, and 3/4 c of the chocolate chips. Melt (I microwaved 1 minute, then stirred). Pour the dry ingredients, as well as the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, into the wet. Stir until evenly mixed, making sure to break up any big clumps. It’ll seem dry at first, but keep stirring until it all looks dark and shiny. Bake at 355 F for 7-8 minutes. (Take out when still undercooked, as these continue to cook as they cool.) Note: I like Sunmaid dates, because they’re softer and less dry than traditional dates you find in health food stores. Your dough might be a little drier if you use other dates. It’s ok: just add a tiny bit more oil to compensate.
See the following link for a Gluten-Free Option.
How to store the leftovers: Leftovers? You’re funny! 
I broke in my new apron for making these cookies, a surprise gift from my host (Servint) after I won the Foodbuzz “Best Baking Blog” award.
By the way, if you ever find that your blog traffic has outgrown shared hosting, I highly recommend Servint for dedicated servers. The people there are knowledgeable and friendly—and they’re very patient with technologically-challenged bloggers like me! (Servint managers, if you’re reading this, Renzo and Russ deserve a raise. They’re the best!)
Full-size view:
P.S. I love how my hair looks when it’s curled, but I hate doing it. Can someone please invent a perm that gives you waves instead of frizz? (I got a perm once… yuck.)
Question of the Day:
Do you remember your dreams?
If I try to remember one as soon as I wake up, I usually can. But if someone asks me during the day what I dreamed about, I’ll usually have no clue. However, if I dreamed about these cookies, I bet I’d remember that! Mmmm hot chocolate dreams…
Want even more chocolate? Try my Frozen Hot Chocolate.
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
13th December 2011 at 3:13 pmSilly! Who has leftover cookies (unless they overcook them and load them full of nasty stuff).
Hot chocolate cookies? Sign me up! I’ve told myself I’m only going to make ONE batch of cookies this year – and I’ve yet to decide what it will be. Maybe I’ll make two 1/2 batches instead.
So many cookies… so little time!
Frances says
13th December 2011 at 3:18 pmNom. Mmm These look amazing!
Have you ever thought about making a special vegan hot chocolate recipie for these cold winter days?
🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 7:50 pmI should! I will put it at the top of my list, Frances! 🙂
Amelia says
13th December 2011 at 3:58 pmYuuum, I just might have to try these.
You should look into a permanent-wave; it’s different from a perm in that it uses larger rods.
Amelia says
13th December 2011 at 3:58 pmAlso, do you have any pictures of them after baking?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 7:52 pmI do… lol they were AWFUL to photoshoot. It was an ugly day and my lighting was so bad. But if you want them, I can email some of the rejects to you!
I really wanted to do a re-shoot, but I also wanted to get the recipe up before Christmas. 😕
(The first photo in this post is of them cooked, but I know it’s not very clear.)
Crystal says
13th December 2011 at 3:59 pmThey already did its called a digital perm … it gives soft bouncy beach waves an no frizz! my stylists raves about it!! I get the yuko system done on my hair (because its curly and i want straight) and my stylists always recommend the digital perm if I ever want to go back to curly without waiting for it to grow out!
Amelia says
13th December 2011 at 3:59 pmAnd also sorry, I don’t have any coconut oil.. all I have is canola or vegetable. Could I get away with canola oil?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 7:52 pmI’m not sure… I think they’d work but the taste would be different. If you try it, let me know how they taste!!
Sarah says
13th December 2011 at 4:00 pmKatie, you are beautiful! This might sound like a weird q, but have you ever thought about modeling?
Sarah says
13th December 2011 at 4:01 pmOh, and I will take a dozen of those cookies!
Veganish says
13th December 2011 at 5:06 pm+1
🙂
Sarah @ See Sarah Bake says
13th December 2011 at 4:02 pmMy boyfriend LOVES hot cocoa- I think these might have to make it into his stocking 🙂
Megan says
13th December 2011 at 4:18 pmI always thought a cookie that tasted like hot chocolate would be good. I bet it would be good with marshmallows inside too (less healthy though). This recipe looks great because lately I have been craving chocolate like no other! Regarding my dreams, I usually remember them. Does this mean that I woke up in the middle of REM? Who knows, there are so many dream theories out there! My dreams are always weird involving random people and imaginative happenings. Does that say something about me?! 🙂
Sarah the official CCK drooler says
13th December 2011 at 4:37 pmI know there are a lot of Sarahs out there, hey what can i say, we’re the popular crowd – Just kidding. But i doubt they all drool, hehe. Anyway, i dream of the SAME thing every. single. night. Guess who? The Biebs. Ohh yes. of course, he comes in different situations, but believe me, he’s there. No wonder i sleep so long. Who wants to wake up to reality? 🙂 Have a great day!
Qi Ting @ A Dessert Diet says
13th December 2011 at 4:41 pmI got a perm once, where they used chemicals! The hair was kind of frizzy for the first couple of days, but after that, it was perfect! Maybe you’re using an unsuitable method to perm your hair due to your hair type.
jamie says
13th December 2011 at 4:55 pmI have a bunch of dates I need to use up ASAP- this looks like the perfect excuse 🙂
Veganish says
13th December 2011 at 5:02 pmYum, these look incredible!
sabine @ some-like-it-raw.com says
13th December 2011 at 5:07 pmwow these look incredible! and i know what you mean… i have to make new raw chocolate evry other day because i keep scarfing it all down haha!
Lena says
13th December 2011 at 5:07 pmOh man… these look amazing! Seconding the question about subbing with canola oil, since I have no coconut oil. 🙁
And now that I think about it, I used to remember all my dreams but that actually hasn’t happened in quite a while… or at least not during the weekdays. Maybe when I wake up naturally (w/o an alarm clock) I do, but I’m not even sure! Aww. Remembering good dreams is awesome.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 8:01 pmThey’d probably work… but I can’t vouch for the taste. If you try them, do let me know how they taste!
Caroline says
15th February 2012 at 12:37 amI just made them with canola oil, and it works very well! These are delicious, and probably the best recipe I’ve tried yet from your site!
Gastón says
13th December 2011 at 5:07 pmEverything (including you) looks lovely!!
As regards the hair, there already exists a way to have more or less permanent waves. They apply the same products as they do when they straighten hair, but instead of flat ironing it, they wave it. It lasts more or less 4 months
Tiffany says
13th December 2011 at 5:10 pmYoou are so pretty!!
Those look delish, and I will Try these after I try hot choc truffles that I found, all you do is drop them into milk and it’s hot cocoa! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 10:32 pmI saw that on pinterest! It definitely looks like a fun idea!
Kelly @ Foodie Fiasco says
13th December 2011 at 5:17 pmIsn’t it great when people hekp us with our tech troubles? I am certianly challenged in that area, as well. 😉
I can’t make those cookies. I mean, if I did, I’d eat the whole batch. So I should make them? Yeah, I should.
Christie says
13th December 2011 at 5:39 pmThe apron is SO cute on you! I love that it looks a little ‘retro’, too. Keep up the GREAT work on your blog. I read it every day, and really enjoy seeing the latest recipes, every time you post…
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 10:35 pmAww thank you, Christie!
Ulya @ Kitchen Impromptu says
13th December 2011 at 6:08 pmOH MY!! They look absolutely amazing (Or is it because I’m on a diet??) I can’t wait to try these!!
Brittany long says
13th December 2011 at 6:08 pmI bet your hair would work well with the sock bun method. Google it. The best tutorial is on YouTube by a girl named Loepsie ( I think that is the spelling—she’s European). It’s free, takes no time, and doesn’t damage your hair. I used to use hot rollers often, and this method has changed my life!!
Elizabeth says
13th December 2011 at 9:49 pmYou beat me to is! I was just going to recommend the sock bun method!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 10:36 pmI used to put my hair in a wet bun before I went to bed. I’d wake up with waves… but that was when I was in college and could only take a shower at night.
I’ll have to google this sock bun thing!
Susan says
15th December 2011 at 4:56 pmI have used the sock bun a few times, and it is so easy and works wonderfully! Plus, it really is perfectly comfortable to sleep with it in.
These cookies look incredible! I think they will be on my to-do list tonight!
Heather @ Run Eat Play says
13th December 2011 at 6:37 pmThose cookies look so yummy! Can’t go wrong with chocolate!
Jade C says
13th December 2011 at 3:37 pmOhh wow Katie!! Super chocolatey recipe!! I have been having a good day all day, doing Work Experience.. Until I missed my bus.. And the next one wasn’t for another hour and a half ((I live in a village))!! I’m super-tired, my back is a aching painfully and the house is empty.
But I checked your site again ((3rd time today!!)) in search of those cookies you’d promised and now you have actually managed to cheer me up. 🙂 🙂 . Thank you!! They sound so.. Comforting!! I love the sound of ” Melting slowly in your mouth like a truffle “, and the name, I’m now picturing myself snuggled ((love that word!!)) into a comfy armchair in front of a fireplace, just with the mention of Hot Chocolate. Thank you. Honestly. You have saved my day 🙂 🙂 .
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 7:50 pmAwww hugs!!! 😕
Anna @ The Guiltless Life says
13th December 2011 at 8:40 pmmmmm I just recreated some vegan chocolate truffles I’ll be posting soon. SO good. But mine are much more sinful than this – I love that these are healthy and so low-cal!
Tracy says
13th December 2011 at 8:46 pmI just found your site recently and it’s awesome! My son is highly dairy allergic, and vegan recipes are perfect for that! I also love that you make yours healthier. Please please please post the peppermint bark recipe next! 🙂 I’m so excited to see how you did it!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 10:36 pmOh ok, if you insist. I’ll hopefully get that one up on Thursday!!
Denise says
13th December 2011 at 9:01 pmBeautiful recipe, and very cute apron! Dates as the sugar is a great idea, but seriously, it is the same as eating regular sugar, here’s a quote from an article I found:
How Nutritious are Dates?
“An ounce of medjool dates contains 19 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. An ounce of honey provides 23 grams of sugar and 0 grams of fiber. Neither one is a significant source of vitamins or minerals. (Click the links to see the complete nutrition facts.)
Aside from a gram or two of fiber, a bar sweetened with dates is really not that much different from a bar sweetened with honey. Ask yourself this: If the bar were sweetened with honey instead of dates, would it be more sugar than you’d be willing to eat?” http://nutritionovereasy.com/2011/03/sweetened-with-dates-how-healthy-is-it-really/
I think it’s important for people to understand that the ‘Halo effect’ in things deemed healthy due to the lack of added sugar is misleading. You can still enjoy these in moderation, but don’t overdo it. I am sorry if I seem like a downer here, just wanting to clarify for people with either diabetes, or who are simply trying to limit their intake of sugars this holiday season.
Bridget says
13th December 2011 at 10:10 pmI agree and think this is an incredibly important point- esp for those who use the “no added sugar” label as a license to consume a lot more. Less refined sweeteners such as molasses, sucanat, rapadura, honey, and dates are better for you than white sugar because they contain beneficial vitamins and/or minerals (some more than others, it’s true). But they all still contain sugar! The main reason I use them instead of white sugar is because they are waaaay better for the environment. The refining process that produces white sugar takes a lot of energy and chemicals and leads to pollution and unnecessary fossil fuel usage. Artificial sweeteners and stevia actually do not contain sugar (but they can also take a lot of energy to produce, and I don’t like the taste, so I don’t use them!)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
13th December 2011 at 10:42 pmOh no, you’re not being a downer at all! I actually agree with you… I even think white sugar in moderation (for people who don’t have health problems) is fine and no different than agave or honey. That’s why many of my recipes do contain white (or brown) sugar. But I try to offer an alternative now and then because I know a lot of my readers are staying away from refined sugars for whatever reason.
Thanks for the link and for taking the time to write out such a well-informed comment! And next time I will try to clarify in my post– I guess I meant that they’re healthier because they’re whole-grain and even with the dates they have less sweetener than your average chocolate cookie. But definitely, people with health issues (or who want to not consume too much sugar) need to eat accordingly. A treat is still a treat even when it’s healthier than normal.
Holly - InspirationBeauty says
13th December 2011 at 9:07 pmMmm these would make great cake pops I’d say! I’m thinking of making these as a gift for my friends and family for Christmas 🙂
Erin @ Creative Styletopia says
13th December 2011 at 4:56 pmOh my these look delicious! I totally agree about the curls… love the way it looks but when it actually comes down to doing it I get lazy quite often and pull out the flat iron instead as it only takes about 5 mins! I want to try the “sock bun” thing that I keep seeing on pinterest, apparently when you wake up in the morning and take it out you have beautiful curls 🙂
As for the dreams, sometimes I remember them and sometimes I don’t. I’ve thought of keeping a dream diary, but sometimes my dreams are so weird that I don’t think I could write them down!
Kit-Kat says
13th December 2011 at 4:57 pmYou look really pretty, and the cookies look totally yum!
I remember my dreams fairly well. Sometimes I’ll forget, and then several days later I will remember. It’s uncanny, because most of my dreams come true, so I get kind of freakish when I remember my dreams! 🙂
Mallory @ Have Your Cake and Eat It says
13th December 2011 at 5:35 pmamazing Katie!! I love how addicted you are to chocolate – just like me 🙂
Lauren W says
13th December 2011 at 10:52 pmThese look fantastic Katie! But I must say, I really wish you had an actual healthy hot chocolate recipe right now. I’ve been craving it lately but none are chocolatey enough. Please help 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
14th December 2011 at 1:46 amI am putting it at the very top of my to-do list :).
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
13th December 2011 at 6:01 pmYum!! There definetly would not be any leftovers at my house! Love the apron 🙂
Sarah @ blueeyedbarbie.blogspot.com says
13th December 2011 at 11:03 pmSuper cute apron! I love aprons.
Amber K says
13th December 2011 at 6:07 pmThey look delicious! Thanks for linking to a gluten-free option. 🙂
Amanda says
13th December 2011 at 6:39 pmHaha, if I took the chocolate syrup away from you I wouldnt be able to control myself either. Yummy recipe!!
Li says
13th December 2011 at 11:51 pmThese look amazing, I must make 🙂 I have a question Katie, this might be weird… but what do you do with your props or extras and things like that? Like in some photos you are pouring stuff on things, or have what looks like hit chocolate (?) as a prop in the background, what do you do with the items you take your beautiful pictures of? Sorry if this is weird, I am just curious about the “behind the scenes” stuff, that could be a really cool post to do too. Thanks for always being so helpful and of course for all of the awesome creations you make and share!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
14th December 2011 at 1:51 amI have a little cabinet :). One drawer has ribbon, another has little trinkets, and a third has camera stuff. Then all my napkins are hanging together in the closet on a hanger. When I was living at my parents’ house, all my dishes were stacked neatly on a set of shelves in the garage… now I haven’t figured out a good place to stack them all yet! They’re kinda a mess :-?.
Emilie Blom Jamil says
13th December 2011 at 7:40 pmThere is actually a way to perm your hair without it looking frizzy! I’ve never tried it, but here is a video of a gril who did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHn7nnMxqiE&feature=channel_video_title
Emily says
14th December 2011 at 12:51 amCan’t wait to try those cookies!
PS-try hot rollers. I was totally freaked out by them but they make my hair look AMAZING and it literally takes less than 5 minutes! Give it a shot!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
14th December 2011 at 1:10 amOoo- perfect for a day like today!
Wait- what am I talking about?!? Perfect for any day! 🙂 Your apron is super cute- you totally deserved that award- and what a nice gift you got to celebrate!
Jeanna says
14th December 2011 at 1:15 amWant curls with out the heat. Google sock curls, it’s awesome and it works. You look a little goofy while you sleep but wow!! Celebrity type curls with no heat damage when you wake up. Best of all the curls last all day!
Can’t wait to try these, I’m dreaming of them already!!!
Crystal says
14th December 2011 at 1:16 amThese came out so amazing! I did the gf version and, oh, so good! Melt in your mouth goodness!
I sometimes remember my dreams, but more likely if it was vivid in some way, like if it scared me or if I got emotionally attached to something in the dream. The ones that bother me I usually look up in a dream dictionary to figure out the meanings and it really helps me deal with my day.
Shannon Roche says
14th December 2011 at 1:40 amI have the same apron! It’s one of my favorites.
Moni'sMeals says
13th December 2011 at 8:50 pmThis look highly addictive! That is a good thing. 🙂
I have the same apron! I adore it but never want to ruin it because it is so pretty!
Great shot cutie. 😉
Clare @ Fitting It All In says
14th December 2011 at 1:54 amI got that same apron for my birthday last year. love it!!
Bailey says
14th December 2011 at 1:55 amWe have the same apron! This is so crazy!!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
14th December 2011 at 2:10 amI LOVE that apron, so cute! and I rarely remember my dreams. I know I dream, but I never know what happened!
courtney says
14th December 2011 at 2:17 amyum, these look great! one question – don’t the chocolate chips mean there is added sugar?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
14th December 2011 at 2:20 amYou can use unsweetened or sugar-free chips if you wish. Sunspire makes sugar-free, and Ghirardelli makes unsweetened ones. Or you might even be able to use my hot chocolate butter recipe. Also, someone on my facebook page mentioned a brand called Xocal that’s sugar-free and apparently vegan too.
Alyssa says
14th December 2011 at 2:23 amMust. Make.Those. Cookies!!!!!
And I LOVE that apron!
I dreamed last night that I was one of the “Real Housewives.” Talk about a nightmare, lol!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
14th December 2011 at 4:22 amI’d like to stick my face under that dripping chocolate in the first picture please 🙂
These look outrageous!
Aja says
14th December 2011 at 4:52 amYummiest cookies I have ever heard of! And your apron is adorable. i’m jealous.
Robin says
14th December 2011 at 5:00 amThese cookies look amazing.
I do actually remember last night’s dream: I was visiting a haunted house, and was terribly scared, but I couldn’t get out because that was against the rules. Yikes!
Lyn @ FueledBySalad says
14th December 2011 at 5:55 amWhoaaa these look DECADENT. I think I have to try these!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
14th December 2011 at 12:56 amyum yum chocolate yum yum
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
14th December 2011 at 1:15 amThis is so weird but this post JUST hit my reader at like 815pm eastern time….normally I get them in the early a.m. But I digress…
The cookies…look wonderful.
And love your apron. Looks adorable on you. I have so many aprons that I never wear. Whoops! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
14th December 2011 at 1:52 amYeah lol aren’t bloggie troubles fun? Not so much…
Albizia says
14th December 2011 at 6:19 amIf the dream is very weird, I usually don’t have a problem remembering it. Some dreams however disappear very quickly from my memories and leave only a lasting feeling of hopelessness and calmness at the same time and I have no idea why. But now I am dreaming of Christmas. And cookies. And Christmas cookies 😀 .
Alexa @ SimpleEats says
14th December 2011 at 2:34 amThese look insanely good. Don’t take away the chocolate syrup, whatever you do. It’s brought some amazing desserts!
Katie @ Nutrition in a peanut shell says
14th December 2011 at 2:39 amOh my goodness that is the cutest apron. It looks like a dress! On a slightly related note, I love your shirt underneath. I’m a sucker for baggy flannel 🙂
Rebeka says
14th December 2011 at 7:54 amIm sure someone else has probably commented with this suggestion already, but I hear digital perms are amazing. They give you frizz-free waves. One of my friends gets them and her hair always looks so amazing!
natalie @ southern fit foodie says
14th December 2011 at 4:02 amI usually remember my dreams, and they are always crazy! I mean CRAZY crazy!
Those cookies look delicious… Thank you so much for creating healthy baking recipes to share!!!
BroccoliHut says
14th December 2011 at 4:39 amI always mean to start a dream journal…but I never get around to it. I almost always remember dreams if I am able to tell someone about it within the first few hours of waking up. I love to talk about them!