No Bake Cookie Dough Bites

Cookie Dough!!!

Oh yeah!  There is a guilty pleasure even writing the words ... it's hard to find anyone who doesn't know the joy of a spoon and a bowl.  Magical.

Of course if I did that now, my stomach would revolt and I'd pay for it later.  I love these easy recipes that give you a bit of the cookie dough treat along with some good ingredients (cashews and oats in this recipe)  to hold you steady instead of flying high on sugar and then crashing!  I get my fix and without the guilt and don't worry about the after thoughts of, "OMG that means I have to do a million miles on the treadmill!"

Yes, for the gluten free crowd, this is very doable!  Of course you can experiment with different grains, nut butters, fruit, chocolate bits ...

Wrap these up and put in your freezer for a quick fix or a pre-workout/post-workout snack for you or your young athletes!  Maybe even throw them in their lunches and they will become the rock stars of their lunch tables!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips

• Combine cashews, oats, salt and cinnamon in a blender or food processor.  Pulse until a fine powder forms but be careful not to overprocess to cashew butter.
• Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the mixture.  Pulse again until it forms a ball of dough.
• Remove from blender/processor.  Use a butter knife to remove all of the dough.  Place into a small bowl and add the chocolate chips.  Mix chips gently to distribute.
• Use 2 spoons to portion into whatever size dough balls you would like.  Place into a container to store in the freezer or fridge or take with you on the go. 

Have fun with your own creations!  I'd love to hear your combinations!
Krista