I’m a big fan of easy-to-make delicious treats that pack a whole food punch!
These gluten-free, dairy-free bites of chocolate delight are not only super simple to make, they are also packed full of nutrients that will do your body a whole lot of good.
I used a very special ingredient to hold these cookie dough balls together and give them a sweet, chocolatey flavor – Cacao Honey from Beekeeper’s Naturals!
Cacao boasts 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, and is the highest plant-based source of iron available. Raw honey is a rich source of antioxidants, enzymes and minerals. It even contains several amino acids, including tryptophan which can help promote rest and relaxation.
Unlike refined sugar, honey is made up of fructose, glucose, water, pollen, magnesium and potassium. Its about 40% fructose and 30% glucose, and is metabolized more slowly than refined sugar. This is helpful in reducing the blood sugar spike and insulin response we get from eating many packaged and processed treats that are loaded with refined sugar.
Additionally:
- Raisins, which I love adding for that chewy texture, are full of antioxidants, can aid digestion, and help boost your levels of fiber, iron, and calcium. They also promote healthy teeth and gums!
- Walnuts and almonds are both excellent sources of multiple nutrients – like healthy fats and protein – and phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote health benefits like cardiovascular health, weight maintenance, and stress reduction.
- Flaxseed provides the awesome Omega 3 essential fatty acids that also help with heart health, as well as a solid dose of fiber and protein.
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, is loaded with antioxidants, and is known to lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors, and improve oral health.
Dark Chocolate Raisin Cookie Dough Bites
Yield:6-10 cookie dough balls, depending on how big you make them
You will need: food processor, measuring cups, measuring spoons
KEY: T = Tablespoon; tsp = teaspoon
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup almonds
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1/3 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 T cacao honey from Beekeepers Naturals
(or 2 T honey – best if it is not hardened + 1 T cacao powder) - 3 T raisins
Instructions:
1. Combine almonds, walnuts and flaxseed meal with salt and cinnamon and blend in a food processor until a fine meal forms.
2. With the food processor running, drizzle in honey, until dough starts to bind.
3. Turn off the processor and add raisins; pulse to combine.
4. Create balls by the spoonful to serve.
Nutrition Facts
So easy, so good, and so good FOR you!
Leave me a comment to let me know how your bites turn out and which variation you try – as I mentioned, the cinnamon is optional!
You can easily vary this recipe to suit – leave out the raisins, add in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cherries, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, or any number of variations that you get inspired to try! Get creative and let me know how it goes!
Get more amazing healthy dessert ideas in the newly updated and expanded
30-Day Challenge Meal Plan!
Get set up for total eating success with this done-for-you Plan that delivers great energy, a lean, fit physique and supports your fitness plan!
- David L. Katz, Kim Doughty, and Ather Ali. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. October 2011, 15(10): 2779-2811.https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3697
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- Pasupuleti, Visweswara Rao. “Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant.” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. 2014. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
- R.M. Lamuela-Raventos, A., et al. “Review: Health Effects of Cocoa Flavonoids.” SAGE Journals. June 1, 2015. Web. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1082013205054498
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12589329 - Wu, Christina D. “Grape Products and Oral Health.” The Journal of Nutrition, Oxford Health. 2009. Web. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/139/9/1818S/4670552