5-Min Crunchy Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

Chocolate quinoa crisps are the kind of recipe that once you see how easy they are and how delicious they are, they’ll be on repeat every week.

Summer is peak time for no-bake treats. It’s hot. It’s sweaty. People are avoiding their ovens and their kitchens like the plague. I get it.

But, what’s a girl to do when she just wants some damn cookies? Dun dun da daaa I made no bake cookies.

I’m someone that needs a chocolatey treat (every day). Maybe you are too and that’s why you’re here? Welp, friend, I gotchu.

Let me introduce these Chocolate Quinoa Crisps.

If you’re someone that likes chocolate crunch bars, rice krispie treats, and easy desserts that basically make themselves, you will LOVE these Chocolate Quinoa Crisps!

Browse desserts by flavor, check out all my chocolate recipes, banana recipes, vanilla recipes, and peanut butter recipes!

If you love desserts you have to check out my roundup of 50+ Gluten Free Dessert Recipes. Some of my favorites are these Chocolate Quinoa Crisps, Healthy Peanut Butter Cups, and these Gluten Free Peanut Butter Brownies!

Or, if you want to double down on your chocolate love, check out my Ultimate List of Chocolate Desserts: 30+ Ideas!!

What is Puffed Quinoa?

Puffed quinoa is quinoa that has been heated under high pressure until it “puffs” or expands. It has a light, crispy texture and is a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients.

It is often used as a topping for cereals, granolas, and other baked goods, or as a crunchy, nutritious addition to salads, yogurt, and other dishes.

Can I puff my own quinoa?

Technically yes but I don’t recommend it. I have never successfully puffed quinoa at home. Puffing quinoa can be a bit unpredictable, so you may need to experiment with different heat levels and cooking times to get the desired results. It may be helpful to start with a small amount of quinoa until you get the hang of it.

To puff quinoa at home, you will need a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, some quinoa, and a heat source. Here is a simple method you can use:

1. Heat the pot over medium-high heat until it is hot.
2. Add a small amount of quinoa to the pot, about 1/4 cup. You can also add some oil or butter to the pot to help the quinoa puff better.
3. Cover the pot with the lid and let the quinoa cook for a few minutes, until it starts to puff up and make a popping sound.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes, until the quinoa has fully puffed up and cooled down.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining quinoa.

These no-bake wonders are:

• crunchy
• easy
• perfect to keep in your fridge for easy snacking
• made with wholesome ingredients
• simple to make
• fun for everyone!

Ingredients for Chocolate Quinoa Crisps:

Puffed quinoa. The one I was buying from amazon has stopped selling it. So I now buy it HERE and have been really happy with it.

Agave nectar. This keeps it low glycemic, but if you don’t care too much about glycemic index, you can swap in honey or maple syrup.

Vanilla extract. Nothing really else to say about it.

Refined coconut oil. I like refined because it doesn’t have as much as a coconutty flavor, but any coconut oil works! People ask if you can sub another oil for these and the answer is no. Coconut oil gets hard when it’s chilled and melts when it’s hot and this characteristic is necessary to the recipes.

Cocoa powder or cacao powder, whichever you prefer.

How to make these crunchy bites of heaven

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, agave nectar, vanilla, and cocoa powder until smooth.
2. Fold in the puffed quinoa.
3. Use a cookie scooper to scoop 8 – 12 mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Use your fingers to gently press the tops to flatten them out.
5. Pop in the fridge or freezer for 1 hour to harden.
6. Transfer the crisps to a bag or container and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat!
7. Aaand that’s it! It makes about 12 cookies!!

Enjoy!! xo