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Whole grain vegan amaranth protein muffins that are flourless, gluten-free, oil-free, high in fiber, almost 5 g protein, and only 104 calories.

close up of a vegan protein amaranth muffin
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Amaranth. Have you made its acquaintance?

I am enamored of this super-grain, but have been remiss in posting a new amaranth recipe in a while, despite having two pounds-worth stored in the freezer. My husband likes to remind me of my extensive cache of grains, nuts and seeds when he gets frostbite foraging for a pint of ice cream.

white bowl filled with raw amaranth

What is Amaranth?

Tiny and tan, amaranth was a staple of the pre-Columbian Aztecs (much like quinoa was for the Incas).

Amaranth is a remarkable food. It has not received the same level of buzz as its cousin, quinoa, but it boasts many of the same super-benefits.

The Aztecs believed that, in addition to providing general sustenance, eating amaranth could increase both energy and strength.

The latest scientific research on amaranth indicates that they were spot-on: amaranth seeds are 13 to 15 percent protein, among the highest for any grain, and are also high in fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins A and C.

a white porcelain spoon filled with raw amaranth

Most importantly, amaranth is delicious and versatile! It makes a cozy porridge, similar in texture to cream of wheat (but gluten-free) and can be popped into the world’s tiniest popcorn (great for sprinkling onto salads and incorporating into rice-crispy-like bars and treats).

But I came up with something new for today’s post: a sweet and nutty breakfast cookie that has equal measures of great taste and protein to jumpstart the morning.

overhead shot of vegan protein amaranth muffins

Recipe Benefits

  • Vegan (egg-free, and dairy-free)
  • High protein
  • Gluten-free
  • Oil-free
  • High fiber
  • Portable (great for breakfast on the go)
  • Easy to make

Steps to Make Vegan Amaranth Breakfast Cookies

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Cook the Amaranth Into a Porridge

white bowl with amaranth porridge on a wood surface

The recipe begins by cooking the amaranth into creamy porridge I alluded to a moment ago. It only takes 20 minutes of hands-free time to cook. You can also do this a day or more ahead of time.

Step Two: Grind Some of the Oats into a Flour

While the porridge cools, process 3/4 of the oats into a fine flour.

Step Three: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350F(180C). Grease or spray 9 cups of a standard size muffin tin.

Step Four: Add the Remaining Ingredients

To the porridge, stir in the oat flour, remaining 1/4 cup oats, protein powder, coconut sugar, dried fruit and 1 tablespoon of the chia seeds until well blended (mixture will be thick).

Step Five: Portion the Batter

Divide the batter equally between prepared cups, flattening and smoothing the tops. Sprinkle with the remaining chia seeds.

Step Six: Bake

Bake the breakfast cookies in the preheated oven for 25 to 26 minutes until golden brown at the edges and tops of bars feel dry.

Step Six: Cool

Transfer the tin to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Remove the muffins from tin and cool completely.

overhead shot of vegan protein amaranth muffin

FAQ

  • How Should the Vegan Amaranth Breakfast Cookies Be Stored? Store the breakfast cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerator for 1 week, or freezer for 3 months.
  • What Can I Use in Place of the Amaranth? An equal amoiunt of quinoa can be used in place of the amaranth.
  • What is the Taste and Texture of the Cookies? These are a cross between a muffin and a wholesome energy bar. They have moist, chewy interiors coupled with crispy edges. The amaranth has a warm, nutty flavor, accented by the bright notes of dried fruit throughout.
  • Can I double the recipe? Yes! This recipe makes a batch of nine, but you may want to double the recipe if your household is 2 or more.

Happy baking, eating, and moving, everyone!

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5 from 3 votes

Vegan Amaranth Breakfast Cookies (Oil-free, GF)

By: Camilla
Whole grain amaranth breakfast treats that are vegan, flourless, gluten-free, high in fiber, almost 5 g protein, and only 119 calories.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 9 breakfast cookies

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup 250 mL water
  • 1/3 cup uncooked amaranth
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup 100 g rolled oats (certified GF, as needed), divided use
  • 1/4 cup vanilla plant-based, vegan protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoons nondairy milk, e.g., oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk
  • 1/3 cup packed dried fruit, chopped
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons chia seed, s divided use

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350F(180C). Grease or spray 9 cups of a standard muffin tin.
  • In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the amaranth, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes (stirring occasionally) until thick and creamy. Scrape into a medium bowl and stir in the salt until blended. Let cool slightly (or entirely).
  • While the porridge cools, 3/4 cup (75 g) of the oats into a flour with a food processor or blender.
  • Add the oat flour, remaining 1/4 cup oats, protein powder, coconut sugar, nondairy milk, dried fruit and 1 tablespoon of the chia, stirring until well blended (mixture will be thick). Divide equally between prepared cups, flattening and smoothing the tops. Sprinkle with the remaining chia seeds.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 26 minutes until golden brown at the edges and tops of bars feel dry. Transfer tin to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes; remove from tin and cool completely.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerator for 1 week or freezer for 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1breakfast cookie | Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4.8g | Fat: 1.1g | Sodium: 103.6mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 5.3g
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

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About Camilla

I'm Camilla, food writer, author, runner, and spin instructor. PowerHungry® is where I share my easy, minimalist, plant-based recipes, designed for living a healthy, delicious, empowered life.

5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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14 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are epic! I used ground almonds instead of protein powder and added an extra tbsp of coconut sugar. Absolutely delicious. Thank you.

  2. Hey Camilla, how much oat flour would you use? I’m assuming it makes less than 3/4 cup? I already the oats ground!
    Thanks!

    1. Hi Joy,
      Oat flour has 120 g per cup, rolled oats 100 grams per cup, So for the 3/4 cup (75 g) of oats that get blended into flour for the recipe, you can use 2/3 cup oat flour (80 g) less about 2 teaspoons 🙂

  3. I swapped the protein powder for some finely ground green pumpkin seeds. The outcome is very delicious. Thank you of this recipe.

  4. Rachel, I am so grateful that I’ve found you. I have a lot of amaranth and this recipe was perfect and easy. I’ve been a vegan for over 8 years and I’m gluten intolerant. I never connect those two filters on my diet with Keto until I studied your recipes. O my Godness, the world just opened up. I can’t thank you enough. I’m going to try all of your recipes this year.
    Peace,
    Jennifer

  5. Hello Camilla, I made this recipe and it turned out great! Definitely a new favorite with my family.
    Thank you! , Rachel

  6. I got excited about this recipe. Now m frustrated..
    You don’t say how much water. in the recipe. Then you say boil “the” water.
    I suppose I can google to find out how to make amaranth porridge, ratio of water to amaranth, but it would be better if you included the water you’re saying to add in the recipe. Also because were making a recipe and I have found, in baking, the moisture content in the recipe matters. Ive also found that all recipes calling for a standard do not necessarily use the “standard” for it. In your recipe I am left wondering. Really don’t wish to spend the ingredients and my time playing with it and it not turning out. Help please?

    1. Hi Rachel,
      Apologies, I left it out by accident. I have updated the recipe. Thanks for letting me know!