raw "cookie" dough balls

After dinner I am always in need of  a little something sweet. It can be anything - a square of sea salted almond chocolate, a cookie or spoonful of nut butter. 

For a while now I have been addicted to little raw cookie dough balls- they are dangerously easy to make, as in anytime I feel like something a little sweet I can throw these together in no time. The beauty of these little cookie dough balls, they give you that little sweet something while staying pretty good for you at the same time.

It's a win win!

You have probably seen a pattern here with the cinnamon and maple syrup, but for real it is so versatile and tastes amazing in anything that could pass as dessert.

I used my mini bowl attachment that came along with the Magimix, I also have a freestanding mini processor from Cuisinart - the smaller processors come in handy when making small batch recipes such as these cookie balls or vegan pesto. 

Be prepared for your hands to become somewhat a sticky mess when rolling your balls, but we don't sweat the small stuff now do we?

I have had success using pecan, cashews + almonds - all were really good, but I'd say the cashew + pecan versions are my favorite!

Don't you just love the slight bitterness of cacao nibs! If you aren't a fan you can sub cacao nibs for chopped chocolate or slightly sweetened cacao nibs "sweet nibs".

What's your favorite after dinner sweet treat?

raw "cookie" dough balls
makes approximately 14 balls

you will need:

1/2 cup raw or roasted cashews, almonds or pecans

1/4 cup oats

1/4 cup flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

pinch of sea salt if using unsalted cashews 

2-3 tbsp maple syrup or coconut nectar
3 tbsp cacao nibs

assembly:

In a food processor fitted with an s blade process nuts + oats until it forms a crumble. Add flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract + salt, process until combined // 30 seconds or so. Pulse in maple syrup  and cacao nibs until mixture begins to come together, it will be a bit sticky.

A 1/2 tablespoon at a time roll into dough into balls between the palms of your hands - place balls on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Store in freezer and enjoy throughout the week!

Note: can be taken out and stored in the fridge or at room temp, I prefer them cold and straight from the freezer!