Cookie Dough Bites

Sometimes the dough is better than the baked good. There have been times that I've found myself making a batch of cookies, fully intending on baking all of the dough, but then decide that keeping a bowl of cookie dough is a much better idea. I've also been known to buy pre-made cookie dough to eat, not bake. Don't judge me. We all have our weaknesses.

 When I saw this recipe on Love Veggies and Yoga for a healthier, no egg "cookie dough", I knew I had to give it a try. While this recipe was really quick and easy to make, I was a little disappointed in the outcome; the taste is pretty good, but the texture is nothing like cookie dough. For someone who is a cookie dough fanatic, I definitely prefer raw cookie dough over these bites. But taking into account the ease of making these bites and the nutritional benefits, they are definitely a good option for a quick and healthier dessert.

Cookie Dough Bites
(10-12 cookie dough bites)

2/3 cup raw, unsalted cashews (or any other type of nut you prefer)
1/2 cup quick oats
2 Tbsp real maple syrup
1 packet stevia
1 tsp vanilla extract
optional: 1 Tbsp water

Add cashews and oats to a food processor. Blend until you have a flour-like consistency. Add maple syrup, stevia, and vanilla extract. Blend ingredients together. Add optional tablespoon of water if dough appears too dry. Fold in mix-ins. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes. After dough is chilled, roll into balls. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Mix-in options:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites: 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough Bites: 1/4 cup raisins and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites: Combine 2 Tbsp Original PB2 and 2 Tbsp water, then mix in with dough
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites: Combine 2 Tbsp Chocolate PB2 and 2 Tbsp water, then mix in with dough and fold in 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Bites: Add 1/2 tsp butter extract to dough; roll balls in cinnamon sugar

Print this recipe!

Nutritional Info (without any mix-ins)
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 60.5
Total Fat: 3.4g
Saturated Fat: 0.7g
Cholesterol: 0.0mg
Sodium: 1.4mg
Total Carbs: 6.7g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1.5g

Pros:
-Quick and easy to make
-Easy clean-up
-Healthier alternative to raw cookie dough
-Versatile-add different mix-ins

Cons:
-Not as good as the real thing
-Different texture than cookie dough

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5