Cacao Spelt Cookies – A Wholesome Taste of Nostalgia

There’s something about baking cookies that takes me straight back to childhood. The warm, comforting smell of chocolate and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation of sneaking a cookie fresh off the tray—it’s pure magic.

These cacao spelt cookies are my grown-up version of those childhood treats, but they offer so much more than just great taste. They’re made with ingredients that nourish your body, and uplift your mind. Packed with spelt, hazelnuts, cacao and 100% chocolate, they’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee, as a lunchbox treat or straight from the oven.

Why These Cookies Are Good for You

• Body: These cookies are rich in fibre from spelt flakes and hazelnuts, supporting digestion and keeping you energised. The natural sweeteners, like date syrup, avoid the sugar spikes of traditional cookies, while cacao provides a boost of antioxidants.

• Mind: The magnesium in cacao and hazelnuts can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Plus, the act of baking itself can be incredibly calming – it sounds simple, but it is a great joy in a busy world.

Recipe

(makes about 15 – 25 cookies, depending on how small or big you shape them)

Ingredients

• 150g spelt flakes

• 70g hazelnuts

• 50g spelt flour

• 3 heaped tsp cacao powder

• 2 rows 100% chocolate (finely chopped)

• 3 tbsp coconut oil

• 3 tbsp date syrup

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• pinch of salt

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix the spelt flakes, hazelnuts, spelt flour, cacao powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the chopped chocolate.

2. Gently heat the coconut oil and date syrup over low heat until melted. Pour into the dry ingredients.

3. Mix thoroughly, adding 1–2 tablespoons of water to help the dough bind. This step ensures the mixture holds together.

4. Form the dough into small cookie shapes, pressing firmly, and place them on a lined baking tray. Bake at 180°C for 12–15 minutes.

5. Let the cookies cool completely—they firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect crisp-yet-chewy texture.

Whether you’re seeking a mindful moment with a warm cookie and a cup of coffee or a wholesome treat for your body, these cacao spelt cookies deliver on all fronts.

Pro Tip

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Once cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to enjoy whenever a cookie craving hits.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by swapping the spelt flakes for other options like oats or farro flakes. Each variation brings a unique texture and flavour to the cookies while keeping them just as wholesome. Whether you stick to spelt or try something new, the results are equally delicious and versatile!

Have you tried these cookies? Did you experiment with your own variations? I’d love to hear how they turned out and what benefits you noticed — share your experience in the comments below!