Oatmeal Cookie Dough Bites
These oatmeal cookie dough bites are absolutely delicious and naturally sweetened using dates and/or raisins. They are a perfect bite sized treat for your sweet tooth!
Unlike refined sugars (e.g. agave, brown sugar, cane sugar.. etc), dates contain phytonutrients, vitamins (vitamin B6), minerals (potassium, copper, manganese), and fiber! One date provides nearly 2 grams of fiber; whereas, raw sugar and brown sugar contain none. These cookie dough bites are definitely a healthy and tasty alternative to refined sugar-laden cookies.
I like to store these in the freezer and pull one out when I have a sweet tooth. They can also be stored in the fridge, for a quick go-to snack option.
Below are two variations of these cookie dough bites. One contains hemp seeds, while the other contains cashew. Both recipes are great, and both the cashews and the hemp seeds are chock-full of healthy fats, minerals (such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium), and some vitamins. They are also both good sources of protein. The hemp seeds are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids; so if you need a boost in this department, try the hemp variation. The hemp seed recipe would also be great for people with nut tree allergies or kiddos that go to a school or daycare that is nut-free.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup cashews OR hemp seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup (packed full) pitted dates OR raisins
¼ cup raisins (optional)
1-3 teaspoons of water, if needed
METHOD:
- In a food processor, blend the oats and cashews (or hemp seeds) until they are fine like a coarse flour. Add cinnamon and continue to blend.
- If using dates, remove the pits. Add the dates (or the ½ cup raisins) to the food processor. Blend the ingredient together.
- Add the vanilla, if using. Pulse together. If the dough is having a hard time sticking together add 1-3 teaspoons of water (start with 1 and add more as needed) to the mixture and continue to process. The dough should start to form one large ball or at least stick together well when pinched.
- If adding whole raisins, spread the dough out on a plate or cutting board and sprinkle the raisins on top. Fold the dough together until the raisins are well incorporated into the mixture. Roll the dough into 12-15 small balls.
- Place the bites into a large glass container and transfer to the fridge or the freezer to allow it to set. Then enjoy!
NOTES:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I would suggest transferring them to the freezer after a few days— they will keep much longer there and are really great!
