I’ve really been working hard at creating healthy variations of our favourite treats. A snack is that much better if the ingredients are less refined and if I can sneak a little protein in them to power us through to our next meal. I know that Angela Liddon (Oh She Glows blogger) is an awesome vegan baker with the same goals. She tends to use a lot of nuts for protein in her baking, but due to peanut and tree nut allergies in our household, I had to modify her surely delicious recipe for Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls. These bite-sized morsels are delicious. They have a buttery texture thanks to the pumpkin seeds and the combination of rolled oats, bran, and whole wheat flour give the dough a nutty texture. The sweetness comes from dried, pitted dates and pure maple syrup. There are no eggs, dairy products, or soy products in this recipe and refined sugar is seriously limited to the tiny quantities of chocolate chips. I can foresee us making more of these in the summer since we can enjoy chocolate chip cookies without heating up the house. I like that these snacks are nutritionally dense. They are loaded with protein and fiber and I can honestly say that I was satisfied with just one! Makes about 20 balls (1 tbsp in size).
Ingredients
2/3 cup cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup bran
1 tsp sea salt
5 dried, pitted dates
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (I like PC The Decadent Semisweet Chocolate Chips from Superstore/Extra Foods/Loblaws)
Directions
In a food processor, pulse the pumpkin seeds until they are finely chopped. Add the oats, bran, flour and sea salt and process until the mixture resembles flour. Add the putted dates, vanilla, and maple syrup. Process until mixture forms a ball.
Remove the ball of dough from the processor and stir in the chocolate chips.
Take a tablespoon of dough in your hands and roll it into ball. Repeat and freeze dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. When frozen, place the dough balls in a re-sealable freezer bag and store in the freezer. Enjoy frozen and at room temperature!
Morsels Minus 