When the 3 PM sugar or snack craving hits, consider having these cookie dough bliss balls on hand to satisfy the cravings in a healthier way.
Made from cashews and dark chocolate, this treat is rich and decadent, yet better than most cookies, cakes, or desserts you’ll find in a vending machine or corner store run.
Here’s the delicious recipe:
Cookie Dough Bliss Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
FILLING:
1 1/2 cups cashews
3 Tbsp. Grade B maple syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of salt
3 Tbsp. chocolate chips or chunks* (optional)
COATING:
3.5 ounces of 72% or higher dark chocolate *
Instructions:
In a blender, combine all filling ingredients, except chocolate chips, until cashews are broken down into a batter which holds together when pressed (about 15-30 seconds). Remove the batter to a bowl, and stir in chocolate chips/chunks.
Using your hands roll the dough into several 1-inch balls, and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. (Makes about 13-15).
Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate, and use two forks to dip each ball in one at a time, coat thoroughly, then remove to the same (frozen) baking sheet. The chocolate should harden in a minute or two. Repeat with remaining balls.
Notes:
* Choose a chocolate bar sweetened with a natural sweetener, like maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, dates, stevia, or monkfruit.
* For the chocolate chips, I recommend simply finely chopping up a few pieces of the same dark chocolate you are using for the coating. You should have some left over.
Get the printable recipe here.
About the Author: Maria Marlowe is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who has helped thousands of people improve their health by optimizing their diet. She has created meal plans and programs to help you lose weight, clear up acne, and spend less time in the kitchen yet still eat healthy.
She has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, NBC, Well + Good, and more. Her first book, The Real Food Grocery Guide, will teach you how to eat healthy without going broke.
Check out her site, www.mariamarlowe.com, or follow her on Instagram @MariaMarlowe and Facebook for more healthy recipes.