Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Energy Bites (small Batch)

By Mariealicerayner @MarieRynr
 
 
My sister is always trying new things and healthy things. She is quite an inspiration to me on that front!  I was at her place the other day and she said asked  me if I wanted to try one of these Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Energy Bites that she had made.
I said sure, why not!  I  knew it would be healthy because almost everything she makes is healthy!  She's a superstar in that arena!
 
She got me one from the refrigerator. They did not look all that remarkable, but as soon as I took a bite, I fell in love!  These were amazing!  I begged her for the recipe. Yes, they ARE that good!
The recipe comes from a blog called Healthy Ideas Place.  I adapted it to make a much smaller batch.  The original recipe made 50 bites.  I cut the recipe in half, but my balls must have been larger than hers because I only got about 20.  Even so that is plenty enough for me.
  
These were simple, quick and easy to make as well.  You do need a food processor.  Mine is a medium sized Cuisinart one.  To make any more, or the full sized recipe, you would need a much larger food processor.  
I have burnt the motors out in food processors before blitzing raisins and dates, so I was very careful when I was blitzing the ingredients for these balls together.   I did not let the food processor run for any extended period of time. I pulsed, and then scraped down the sides and pulsed again, until I had the right consistency.
My children would have loved these and I would have loved feeding them to them, knowing that they are relatively healthy and contain all natural sugars and ingredients.  These are gluten free as well, so perfect for anyone who is following a gluten free diet.
Be forewarned.  They are incredibly moreish and satisfying!

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH ENERGY BITES 
These actually use some really simple and natural ingredients which I found quite easily, locally.  And I live in the boonies.   Also, it is important to point out that you will need a food processor to grind everything up fine enough to make these.
  • 1 cup (80g) old fashioned oatmeal
  • 1/4 cup (22g) finely ground blanched almonds (almond meal)
  • 2 TBS peanut butter powder
  • 1/2 cup (90g) smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup (38g) chopped pitted dates
  • 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3 TBS (64g) honey


I used organic sprouted oats. Sprouted oats are healthier! They are higher in magnesium and GABA (a dietary supplement which is a neurotransmitter which blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain), and is lower in antinutrient phytates which makes other vitamins and nutrients more bioavailable. Sprouted oats are higher in protein and insoluble fiber, too. 

You can use regular large flake oats if you wish without any problem. I am just trying to eat healthier and more organically.

I use Kirkland brand almond flour for the ground almonds.  You can grind your own of course, but you do have to be careful to stop short of grinding them into a paste.


 
I found the peanut butter powder in the organic section of my local food shop. (Atlantic Superstore)  It contains no sugar, is gluten free, and packs a protein wallop.  (Good thing!)  You can use it in all sorts. Smoothies, milk shakes, etc. You can also enjoy it as a spread.
I did use a simple smooth peanut butter.  Kraft. That is what I already had in the house.  I didn't see the need to buy a special peanut butter for these.
I used pitted organic dates that I buy at Costco.  They are loose packed and very easy to cut into bits with a pair of kitchen scissors.  I also buy my vanilla at Costco.
I used Greek honey that I buy in the international section of my grocery store. I love it's flavor.
 

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH ENERGY BITES


You will need a food processor to make these tasty little bites. There is just no getting around that. I have a medium sized food processor. Not the smallest and not the largest. This amount was just perfect for that. If you double the batch you will need a larger processor.


Place the oats into your food processor. Blitz a couple of times to break them down.Add all of the remaining ingredients to the food processor.


 
Blitz/pulse and process until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixt resembles fine bread crumbs. (This may take some time, depending on the size and strength of your food processor.)To roll into 1-inch balls grab a portion of the crumbs in your hands and squeeze together until they stick together. Roll between the palms of your hands to make a ball shape.Place onto a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Pack between sheets of parchment paper in an air tight container and store in the refrigerator.

 
The minute I tasted these I knew that I wanted to make them and then share the recipe with you. These are incredibly moreish!  They taste just like peanut butter cookie dough, but are much lower in fat and sugar.  They also pack a delicious nutritional punch.
If you are looking to make your kids or yourself a healthy snack that totally pleases and satisfies, then you can't go wrong with these!

Here are a few other delicious snacks that are personal favorites of mine which you and your family might enjoy!
NO BAKE LEMON COCONUT BALLS - Two of my favorite things are lemon and coconut!  To have them both combined in one delicious snack is just great.  For them to be as quick and easy to make as these are is just the icing on the cake!  No bake. No fuss. No muss. Fairly healthy, and  using only a few simple ingredients. These are incredibly moreish.
DILL PICKLE HUMMUS - Give me a bowl of hummus and some crisp vegetable sticks and I am one very happy camper!  This version is a wonderful and deliciously tangy take on the healthy classic!  Also goes very well in a wrap or with some crisp pita chips!
Yield: Approximately 20 (1-inch) ballsAuthor: Marie Rayner

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Energy Bites

Prep time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 MinThese are incredibly moreish and nutritionally sound. They make a very satisfactory mid-afternoon or after school snack. Easy to make as well. You will need a food processor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (80g) old fashioned oatmeal
  • 1/4 cup (22g) finely ground blanched almonds (almond meal)
  • 2 TBS peanut butter powder
  • 1/2 cup (90g) smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup (38g) chopped pitted dates
  • 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3 TBS (64g) honey

Instructions

  1. Place the oats into your food processor. Blitz a couple of times to break them down.
  2. Add all of the remaining ingredients to the food processor.
  3. Blitz/pulse and process until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixt resembles fine bread crumbs. (This may take some time, depending on the size and strength of your food processor.)
  4. To roll into 1-inch balls grab a portion of the crumbs in your hands and squeeze together until they stick together. Roll between the palms of your hands to make a ball shape.
  5. Place onto a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so.
  6. Pack between sheets of parchment paper in an air tight container and store in the refrigerator.
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