A few months ago I told you about one of our new favorite snacks – these Fudgy Snack Balls – which continue to be a staple in our rotation. The concept is really flexible, though, with variations on this date/nut ball theme all over the internet. So in the spirit of experimentation, I decided to try another variation which also came out great. I actually like these a little better, although my 4-year-old still prefers the dark chocolate intensity of the cocoa powder version. And the 2-year-old just yells “more chocolate balls!” for them both – can’t beat that!
What I really love about these recipes is how versatile they are – totally portable, last for a while, not too messy, and come together very quickly. On top of that they have a good balance of fruit for energy and nuts for protein/fiber/fat staying power, making them a great option for snacks at home and on the go!
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Cookie Dough Snack Balls
1 cup nuts (any kind will do; my favorites are almonds and cashews)
1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/3 cup oats (rolled or quick)
1 cup pitted dates
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons (or more) water
1 ounce dark or unsweetened chocolate (optional)
Add nuts, coconut, and oats to the food processor and run until finely ground. Add dates, vanilla, and water, and process again until well combined. Test mixture to see if it is sticky enough to form into balls, adding more water 1 teaspoon at a time if needed. Add chocolate (broken into pieces if in a bar) and process briefly just to combine.
Roll 1 tablespoon balls from the mixture, and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Make approximately 18 snack balls
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The Simply Wholesome Kitchen 