Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

Did someone say cookie dough?!? Yup. As a Fort Collins nutritionist, I was on the hunt for a snack that is both filling and easy to grab to eat on the run. Oh yeah. . . and also so I could pack something for my husband to enjoy on a 3-day back country ski trip in the mountains. These gluten free, dairy free, snack-size morsels were my first attempt at something delicious. . . and I think I nailed it. They are a bit like the new chocolate chip Lara Bars but cost a fraction of the price. You won’t know until you make them for yourself now will you???

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

Prep time: ~ 10 minutes

Yield: ~ 10 tablespoon size balls

Ingredients:

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup cashews

5 Medjool dates, pitted (about 1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 to 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup (or honey)

Pinch sea salt

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life’s GF, DF mini chips)

1/4 cup raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips and cocoa in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Add more brown rice syrup or honey if needed.

2. Pour into a medium bowl. Add the chocolate chips and stir well to combine.

3. Scoop heaping teaspoons of “dough” into your hands and roll into balls. Roll in cocoa powder or raw cacao powder.

4. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

These little morsels of deliciousness are really yummy and energy dense, so enjoy them–don’t gobble them!