Health

Healthy Recipes: 7 Delicious Desserts to Make With Flax and Chia Seeds

Add a healthy twist to brownies, cookies, and more.

Using flax and chia seeds as baking substitutes give desserts a healthy kick by adding antioxidants, protein, and omega-3s. Photographs by Ali Eaves, Betsy Ramirez, Melissa Romero, and Carlene Thomas.

We’ve long raved about the health benefits of chia and flaxseeds. Just one spoonful of either comes stocked with nutrients. Flaxseeds are higher in antioxidants than blueberries, and chia seeds are a great source of fiber and protein.

But downing a spoonful of dry seeds doesn’t exactly sounds appetizing. That’s where these simple healthy recipes can help. Flax and chia seeds both make for great baking ingredients, and can usually be used interchangeably. However, if you’re substituting chia seeds for flax, registered dietitian Cheryl Harris recommends using half to 2⁄3 the amount because chia seeds are a “more powerful binder.”

Blueberry-Almond-Flax Cookies

These cookies are so rich in protein, fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants you can eat them for breakfast.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs

Forget fat- and calorie-loaded Cadbury eggs. These DIY chocolate treats use chia seeds to add nutrition without losing the flavor.

Vanilla Almond Porridge

A piping hot bowl of porridge (with flaxseed, cinnamon, applesauce, and fruit) will soothe you on those cold winter mornings.

Apple Pie Smoothie

It’s like apple pie in a glass—but several hundred calories lighter.

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

A healthy chocolate chip cookie? It exists, thanks to this genius recipe that swaps regular flour for quinoa flour. (Use chia seeds in place of the xanthan gum.)

Chia Seed Brownies

By swapping oil for chia seed gel, you add omega-3 fatty acids and a subtle crunch to these tasty brownies.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Oats, peanut butter, honey, flaxseeds, and chocolate chips are all you need to make this healthy, addictive treat.