Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a food processor, blend the chickpeas until they form a smooth paste. This might take a few minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides to ensure all the chickpeas are thoroughly blended.
Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth, creamy dough.
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and fold in the blended oats. This will help to firm up the dough and reduce gooeyness.
If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough with a spatula.
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the edges. They may seem a bit soft when you first take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, dig in and enjoy your healthy, delicious treats!