I’ve always been a fan of Quest Cookies for their perfect blend of taste and protein. There’s nothing better than enjoying a sweet treat that fits into your healthy lifestyle. If you’ve ever found yourself craving those delicious cookies, this copycat recipe is here to save the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup erythritol or your preferred sweetener
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Let’s dive into crafting these delicious Quest Cookie copycats. Follow these steps to achieve cookie perfection.
Preparation
- Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups almond flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, 3/4 cup erythritol, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Fold in 1 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped nuts if desired, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
Baking
- Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon to ensure even baking.
- Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Monitor Baking
Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking. They should puff up slightly but remain chewy.
Cooling
- Initial Cool Down
Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up.
- Transfer to a Cooling Rack
Using a spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely, which takes approximately 15 minutes.
- Enjoy or Store
Once cooled, enjoy your homemade Quest Cookie copycats immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tools and Equipment
Creating the perfect Quest Cookie copycat recipe starts with having the right tools in your kitchen. Here’s what I use to ensure every batch turns out delicious:
- Mixing Bowls
A set of stainless steel or glass mixing bowls in various sizes helps me combine ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are essential. I prefer stainless steel measuring cups and spoons for durability and precision.
- Whisk
A good whisk ensures that dry and wet ingredients are thoroughly blended without lumps.
- Spatula
A silicone spatula is perfect for folding in chocolate chips and nuts without overmixing the dough.
- Baking Sheets
I use rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Parchment Paper
This makes clean-up a breeze and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Cooling Rack
Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack ensures they stay chewy instead of becoming soggy.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon
For uniformly shaped cookies, a cookie scoop or a sturdy spoon is indispensable.
- Oven Thermometer
To guarantee your oven is at the perfect 350°F (175°C), an oven thermometer is a must-have for accuracy.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
While not mandatory, a stand mixer or hand mixer can make the mixing process faster and more consistent.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef passionate about baking and perfecting recipes, I understand the value of having delicious treats ready whenever cravings strike. Here’s how you can prepare these Quest Cookie copycats ahead of time to enjoy fresh, chewy cookies anytime.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
- Mix and Chill the Dough
- After combining all your ingredients and folding in the chocolate chips and nuts, shape the dough into a uniform disk.
- Wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Portioning the Dough
- Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the scooped dough on the baking sheet until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Storing Frozen Dough Portions
- Transfer the frozen dough portions to an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag.
- Label the container with the date and store the dough in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Baking Ahead
- Pre-Baking Preparation
- Remove the desired number of dough portions from the freezer.
- Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to slightly soften, making it easier to flatten.
- Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if it’s not already heated.
- Place the dough portions on a prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cooling and Storing Baked Cookies
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer.
Reheating Frozen Baked Cookies
- Thawing
- If your cookies are frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the thawed cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
I take great pride in serving my Quest Cookie copycat recipe in ways that elevate the entire experience. Here are some of my favorite methods to enjoy these delectable treats:
Pair with Perfect Beverages
- Cold Milk: The creamy texture of chilled milk creates a delightful contrast with the chewy cookies.
- Hot Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies with its robust flavor.
- Herbal Tea: Enjoy a soothing cup of chamomile or peppermint tea for a comforting combination.
Create Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Choose Your Ice Cream: Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream work beautifully.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place a generous scoop of ice cream between two warm cookies.
- Freeze Briefly: Let the sandwiches set in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.
Enhance with Toppings
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of richness.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: A light dusting of sea salt on warm cookies intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Nut Crumbles: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and texture.
Presentation Ideas
- Elegant Platters: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves for an inviting display.
- Gift Boxes: Package the cookies in a beautiful box tied with a ribbon, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Dessert Tables: Incorporate the cookies into a dessert spread at gatherings, pairing them with other sweet treats.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Ice Cream Sundaes: Crumble the cookies over your favorite ice cream and top with caramel or chocolate sauce.
- Milkshakes: Blend the cookies into a milkshake for a rich and indulgent beverage.
- Layered Desserts: Alternate layers of cookies and whipped cream in a glass for a quick and delicious trifle.
Enjoy Fresh or Reheated
- Fresh Out of the Oven: Serve the cookies warm for the best chewy texture and melted chocolate experience.
- Reheated for Softness: Gently warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them before serving.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the flavor and enjoyment of the Quest Cookie copycat recipe but also provide versatile ways to share and savor these homemade delights with loved ones.
Conclusion
Baking these Quest Cookie copycats has been a game changer for my snack time. I love how easy it is to make them at home with simple ingredients. There’s something special about enjoying a treat that matches the store-bought version without any compromises.
Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or fuel your active lifestyle, these cookies hit the spot. Plus making them ahead means you always have a delicious option on hand. I enjoy sharing them with friends and family and watching their smiles when they take a bite.
Give this recipe a try and see how satisfying homemade cookies can be. You’ll find yourself reaching for these goodies time and again and maybe even tweaking the recipe to make it your own.
