One of my hobbies is coming up with better for you versions of not so healthy treats. I think I may have cracked the code with these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Balls (Grain-Free!). They taste just like your favorite cookie but are refined sugar and grain free! It’s like having your cake (or cookie) and eating it too!
Ingredients:
Naturally sweetened with dates and raisins, these bites are made with simple, pantry ingredients. They are fiber filled, have healthy fats from walnuts, cashews, and flax, and have 5 grams of satiating protein per bite. An overall well-balanced, nutritious snack!
Making the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Balls:
To make these cookie balls, first add the nuts and dates to the food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
Next, add the rest of the dry ingredients and pulse until crumbly and well combined.
Add water, a little at a time:
Open the food processor and take a big whiff of that cinnamonny-deliciousness!! Then add 2-3 tablespoons of water, one at a time, pulsing after each addition, until your mixture comes together. Take care not add too much water or your dough will become too sticky. If this happens, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes and it will become easier to work with.
Shaping the oatmeal raisin cookie energy balls:
Transfer your mixture to a large bowl and stir in raisins.
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll dough into about 12 equal size balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.
You can eat these right away or stick them in the fridge to set. I always have at least one right away. They are chewy, tender, and have the perfect amount of cinnamon raisin flavor. They taste just like an oatmeal raisin cookie without oats, flour, or added sugar!
“Mom” tip:
The shaping of the dough into balls is fun for kids. A great thing about this recipe is that you don’t have to be exact. Every ball can be a different size, you can’t mess it up!
These bites are also a great portable snack for busy, on the go days!
Let me know if you agree that these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Balls taste just like the cookie! Want more healthy snacks? Try my Amazing Apple Doughnuts! And if you’re in the mood for an actual cookie check out The Best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies or find me on Instagram for more recipes!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Balls (Grain-Free!)
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews ~130 g
- 1/2 cup walnuts ~55 g
- 5-6 large pitted, soft dates if your dates aren't soft soak them in hot water for 10 minutes
- 1 scoop your favorite vanilla protein powder ~30 g
- 1 T ground flax
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 T water
- 1/3 cup raisins
Instructions
- Add cashews, walnuts, and dates to a food processor and pulse until coarse ground. (see above photos)
- Next, add the protein powder, ground flax, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla to the food processor and pulse until crumbly.
- Add water, a tablespoon at a time, and process until combined. Be careful not add too much water or the mixture will be too sticky.
- Transfer contents of the food processor into a medium size bowl and mix in raisins.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll into 12 golfball size balls (~35 grams each).
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Notes
- If you add too much water and your dough is sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
